People in Flint are concerned about elevated cancer rates, particularly multiple myeloma, and possible links to environmental exposures where they live, work, and play. For many in the community, a lack of high-quality reporting on cancer rates in the wake of the Flint Water Crisis can be highly distressing, worrisome, and frustrating.

In response to these long-standing concerns, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan have partnered with Flint residents to receive a $400,000 grant from the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) to start an epidemiological cancer research project in Flint.

"I lost one kidney to cancer, and now I'm having problems with the other. I don't know what's going on in Flint, but I'm not the only one—more and more people are sharing similar experiences," said Roy Fields, Flint resident. "What bothers me most is that I've handed out filters full of black residue, and I've asked that they be tested so we can know what chemicals are in them. But no one has done that yet. I'm deeply concerned—not just for myself, but for all the people in our community dealing with cancer." 

Recent analyses by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) have indicated that Flint experiences higher-than-expected cancer rates compared to both Genesee County and the state of Michigan. Notably, the city has elevated incidence rates of lung and bronchus cancer, larynx cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer. These findings have intensified community concerns about potential links between environmental exposures—such as lead, PFAS, and trihalomethanes—and cancer risk, particularly in the aftermath of the Flint Water Crisis.  

A scientific review of over 500 cancer cluster investigations has only found 1 in 8 cases with an increase in cancer rates (according to the American Cancer Society). Still, even if data do not show a clear increase, concerns raised by residents are valid and important to investigate. An examination of unusual cancer patterns involves looking at whether certain types of cancer are occurring more often than expected in specific areas or among specific groups, and whether environmental exposures or other contributing factors may be at play. These studies rely on cancer registry data, input from residents, and an assessment of environmental conditions. In Flint, this process is about more than just statistics—it is a community-informed effort to explore long-standing questions, identify potential risks, and build trust through shared learning and transparency. 

Community-Engaged Science to Address Cancer Concerns  
The Flint Community Cancer Consortium (FC3) is a collaborative group of Flint residents, public health leaders, health care providers, researchers, and community organizations working together to address local cancer concerns. Established to amplify the community voice within cancer research, FC3 promotes transparency, shared decision-making, and ethical engagement. The consortium plays a central role in this feasibility study, helping ensure it reflects Flint residents' lived experiences, priorities, and expectations. 

In partnership with the Flint community, the project team will examine local cancer trends, explore potential environmental risk factors, and identify the infrastructure and ethical considerations needed for long-term cancer research. Input from residents, health care providers, community organizations, and advocacy groups will be central to the study's design and implementation.  

"This project truly embodies the strength that comes from community-academic partnerships and emphasizes the vital importance of responding to the concerns of Flint residents," said Heatherlun Uphold, PhD, MPH, assistant professor in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health at the MSU College of Human Medicine. "By exploring the experiences related to cancer, understanding the priorities of the community, and ensuring that our scientific approaches align with local concerns, we hope to foster trust and create a solid foundation for ethical, transparent, and compassionate cancer research that truly meets the needs of those we serve." 

Laying the Foundation for Future Research 
The findings will inform whether a larger-scale cancer epidemiology study should proceed. The work will strengthen the foundation for future efforts that improve cancer prevention, detection, and care in Flint and beyond. 

"As part of the Flint Communications Group, governmental representatives from the city of Flint, the Genesee County Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency attended bi-weekly meetings. I raised the alarming number of rare blood cancer deaths in our community. Data was shared that didn't centralize only Flint residents who were poisoned by the Flint Water Crisis in isolation," recalls Arthur Woodson, Flint community activist.   

"I'm relieved we are here now, and curious about the outcomes. This project isn't just about asking questions – it's about getting answers that matter. We aim to put resources in the hands of those most impacted (Flint residents) who are traumatized, worried, and grieving the loss of loved ones."  

"We are genuinely honored to work alongside the residents and partners of Flint who are deeply committed to addressing these long-standing concerns. It's clear how important these issues are to the community, and we want to help," said Leigh Pearce, PhD, MPH, professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. "This study is a meaningful first step in understanding how environmental and social conditions may impact cancer patterns in Flint." 

MSU and FC3 were selected for this grant due to their deep ties to the Flint community and decades-long leadership in health equity and environmental health research. The Flint-based partnership includes MSU, the University of Michigan, Community-Based Organization Partners, Flint Public Health Youth Academy, Genesee Health Plan, Greater Flint Health Coalition, and residents. The project is funded by the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) and is supported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). 

Educational events and town halls to connect and learn about the cancer experience within the community are forthcoming. The website will be launched at Flintcancer.org.

June 25, 2025