Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, ACS Center for Diversity in Research Training, Lifetime Risk of Developing or Dying From Cancer, How to Interpret News About Cancer Causes, Cancer Warning Labels Based on California's Proposition 65, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet. The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. As a Senior Correspondent, her coverage includes education, health care, the environment, New Jersey politics and more. Mark Cuker, an environmental attorney who represented the Toms River families, urged investigators at Colonia to consider all options, not just obvious possible causes, in seeking an explanation for the brain tumors. Lupiano, who is also an environmental scientist, and his wife Michelle-- both graduates of the high school -- were diagnosed with benign brain tumors 20 years apart. Targeted Outreach A targeted outreach approach can be very useful. I think what theyll have to do is go through a ton of info that includes the tumor types and any potential risk factors identified with those individuals. The township authorized the emergency contract of more than $200,000 in April to conduct the radiological assessment of the school and grounds after Al Lupiano, of Jamesburg, a 1989 Colonia High . Colonia graduate Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist, was the first to sound the alarm about the potential cluster. CORRECTION:The spelling of Lupiano has been corrected throughout this story. Anenvironmental assessment was undertakento investigate concerns that the school buildings and grounds contained radiological contaminants that would contribute to diagnoses of brain cancers and other central nervous system tumors or disorders among former alumni, teachers and students. Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. Scientists in the health department might also look at reports in the medical literature to see if other clusters like this have been noted in the past. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. This is why the links between cancer and many cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) are often first found in studies of workers. The numbers have risen from around 80 to now more than 90 people with a cancer diagnosis who could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at Colonia High School in Woodbridge. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey. Note that the definition of a cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having a common cause. Some of your concerns might be relieved during the initial phone call. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. The City of Woodbridge, NJ is investigating, with Mayor John McCormac telling NBC4 that One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancersure sounds like something we should be concerned about.. Stay with MyCentralJersey.com for updates. 2008;100(9):614-621. Often theres a concern that the cancers might be caused by some type of carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in the environment. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Views expressed by our advertisers and sponsors are their own, and are not endorsed by NJ Spotlight News. Moving the boundaries (for example, to make the area larger or smaller) might make it look more or less likely that a cancer cluster exists. 2012. Robert Miller The investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once connected to the. National Cancer Institute. T: (602) 229-2500 | F: (602) 229-2555, 2700 N. Central Ave. Suite 400 | Phoenix, AZ 85004, Academic Affairs and Educational Attainment, Arizona Board of Regents' Committee on Free Expression, Information for HS Counselors and Principals, Western Interstate Commission for HIgher Education (WICHE), Feb. 16th - THS Parent Teacher Conferences and THS For the Love of Money FAFSA Night also 9 12 graders invited for College/ Career planning cookies will be served, week of Aug. 29, 2022 all senior English classes first presentation (College Apps, FSA ID, Maia Learning tool), Week of Sept. 26 all senior English classes 2, Oct. 17 and 18 FAFSA days at THS college and community partners on campus all day for 1:1 FAFSA follow ups, Week of Sept. 15 thru Sept. 22 all Junior English class presentations Maia Learning tool pre-College and FAFSA. 2023 NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Advocates urge action to see if brain tumor cases are linked at Woodbridge school. Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. It sounds like they are investigating, as there are lots of things that we do not know about this, Lonser tells Newsmax. "It was shock," Al Lupiano, a former student, told "GMA" at the time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) define a cancer cluster as a greater-than-expected number of cancer cases that occurs within a group of people in a defined geographic area over a specific period of time. In the Colonia case, state and federal agencies are waiting on the results of radiation tests by a private contractor who was hired by the township, said Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service. Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Toll-free number: 1-800-232-4636 Home page:www.cdc.gov Cancer cluster information:www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/default.htm Links to state and local health departments:www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/statelocal.htm, National Cancer Institute (NCI) Toll-free number: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Home page:www.cancer.gov Cancer Clusters Fact Sheet: www.cancer.gov/about-canchttps://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheeter/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet, The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. Those three compounds are known or are probable carcinogens," Komorek said. American Cancer Society. "Every inch of Colonia High School from buildings to fields is being tested for radiation to determine if there is a link between the school and the number of cancer cases . Its unlikely that everyone exposed will develop cancer. Federal investigations take place: An investigation by the Environmental Protection Agency is being done to determine whether these 100-plus cases are a cancer cluster, or simply a coincidence, Fox News reported. 2014;11(2):1479-1499. Its just very difficult to get something like this off the ground. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He has also lost the sight in one eye, and is hearing-impaired, but is smart and funny, with a strong will to live. Goodman M, Naiman JS, Goodman D, LaKind JS. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet on April 29, 2019. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. Frankly, until I see boots on the ground, this is nothing more than lip service, he said in a recent interview, referring to the agency involvement so far. Studying cancer clusters allows scientists to identify areas of increased cancer risk, as well as to try to figure out what is causing the increase in risk. The Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. Gillick, who founded and still chairs the Citizens Action Committee on Childhood Cancer Cluster, rejected arguments by some health experts that there isnt enough evidence so far to label Colonia a cancer cluster a designation that is rarely upheld by public health authorities despite there being many sites suspected of meeting the definition. Partnered with ABOR, Ask Benji, College Connect Tempe- Advisor called students and parents over Winter Break who had not completed FAFSA, shared importance of completing, offered 1:1 assistance to complete if applicable. About Cancer Clusters. They should let the authorities know that they want answers because without the public outcry there is not going to be the pressure thats needed to make this right, she said. Even though Colonia may not yet meet the scientific definition of a cancer cluster, Cuker said that should not stop officials investigating what he called an astounding number of reported brain tumor cases. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Help us end cancer as we know it,for everyone. Thursday, 28 April 2022 11:44 AM EDT. Komorek gathered dust, caulk and soil samples and sent them to outside labs for testing. But just what is a cancer cluster? Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives. "I would tell residents to trust the process here," Kamal told ABC News. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Cancer Clusters. It draws our attention because this story is not usual and theres a part of me, and others, who want to help drill down what is causing this.. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. For a better-informed future. The CDC is the agency most often involved in cancer cluster investigations. Board Certified Radiation Oncologists proudly serving Avondale, Chandler, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Goodyear, Sun City West and Tempe, AZ. In April, Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey, made national headlines after more than 100 former students and staff reported online that they had been diagnosed with brain tumors, in a period that spanned across three decades. There are anecdotal reports of radiation causing tumors, but I think the [root causes] will require more information that finds out what the patients are experiencing. Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between the school and brain tumors diagnosed in 108 people over a period of three decades, ending in the early 2000s. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this week to begin radiological assessments at the school after resident Al Lupiano alerted the mayor that there could be hazardous material on the grounds of Colonia High. If you are concerned about a possible cancer cluster, contact your local or state health department. College Connect Tempe offers virtual and in-person workshops and 1:1 appointment. The boundaries of the area in which to include cancer cases needs to be defined carefully. For example, studying clusters ofmalignant mesotheliomaled to the discovery of the link betweenasbestosexposure and this rare cancer. In most cases, an investigation will show that the suspected cluster is not a true cancer cluster. Just how big should the bulls eye be? Look at my son, she said. Even if statistics show that it may be a true cluster, its important to know that its very rare that a cause is found. But each case began with anecdotal reports of unusually high rates of cancer, and with what community leaders say was then, and is now, a slow response by state and federal health authorities. Superintendent of Schools Joseph Massimino announced the findings Thursday in a letter to township families, following allegations the school had radiological hazards that may have contributed to diagnoses of brain tumors, cancers and other central nervous disorders in former students and staff members. American Cancer Society. 2008;100(9):614-621. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrightedmaterial. Suspected cancer clusters can cause a great deal of concern and confusion in a community. Support our nonprofit newsroom. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. Random patterns are the most common reason for a cancer cluster with no identified cause. American. Research. Views expressed by our advertisers and sponsors are their own, and are not endorsed by NJ Spotlight News. Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, were here to help. Because of this, it might be important to see if the people affected by the cancer shared some common exposure in the past (and not necessarily the present). However, Kamal said, it's appropriate for authorities to thoroughly investigate higher-than-expected rates of brain tumors in a community. Or the types of cancer might not be related to each other. Why havent any soil, groundwater and indoor air samples been collected to make sure no carcinogenic contaminants are present? Our team is made up of doctors andoncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. to invite to events, remind of timeline, etc. But in many cases, even when it seems there is a cluster, a single cause cant be found. Concerns about cancer clusters most often come up in schools, workplaces, and in certain areas of a community. Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences (NIEHS), may also help investigate. Less often, an investigation finds a true cancer cluster, but no cause can be found. Dozens of former teachers and students have . For example, the number of cases might not really be higher than expected once other factors that could explain the increase (such as peoples age, gender, and tobacco use) are taken into account. What does it take to outsmart cancer? Remind: Using the Remind texting platform to invite students to event and to remind students of upcoming deadlines. These tumors, no one really knows for sure what causes them. Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. But Komorek remains unconvinced, believing there could be other possible causes. 2012. Jason Wisinski, who lost his wife and sister-in-law, both Colonia High alumnae, to primary malignant brain tumors at the age of 38, became one of many convinced that a cluster a hyperlocal. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. The investigators might be able to figure out with a fair amount of certainty that there is no true cluster, or that there is a true cluster and its probably caused by a certain exposure. According to guidelines from the CDC, Gillicks son Michael, now 43, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system, when he was 3 months old, and now has health problems including a massive tumor in his thoracic cavity that pushes on his spine and prevents him from sitting for long, his mother said. Cancer Cluster FAQ. A New Jersey mom is pushing for more testing at her kids' former school. After some digging, a man who attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, discovered more than 100 former students and staff members had been diagnosed with the same sort of brain tumor diagnosed in his wife, his sister and himself. Each part of this definition is important. There are 3 main possible outcomes from a cancer cluster investigation: To help illustrate this point, in a scientific review of over 500 cancer cluster investigations done over 20 years, only about 1 in 8 found a true increase in cancer rates, and in only one case was a clear cause for the increase found. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. All rights reserved. If not, the health department will probably look into doing a brief investigation and then, if needed, will do a more complete review of the situation. Possible cancer clusters tend to get a lot of attention in the news and other forms of media. She sees that as a victory for environmental quality and human health but says shes still angry about the pollution that badly hurt her son and took the lives of some of his peers. Joanna Gagis joined the NJ Spotlight News team in 2018. It goes on to say that we anticipate receiving results from the comprehensive testing by the end of May. Lupiano's sister, a Colonia High School graduate, died with a malignant brain tumor in February and both he and his wife, who also is a Colonia High School grad, developed brain tumors. Suspected cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them. Crit Rev Toxicol. Cancer clusters in the USA: What do the last twenty years of state and federal investigations tell us? "So yes, we're taking this very seriously.". The number of people with rare brain tumors who either attended or worked at Colonia High School in Woodbridge has grown to 117, according to Al Lupiano who has been conducting his own research into a suspected cancer cluster. "Anytime there's any indication that there could be something on the grounds or in the building of a school, then sure, it's cause for concern," McCormac said. If needed, the state or local health department might ask federal agencies for help with the investigation. Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. TCE Causes Cancer; Have You Have Been Exposed? Atlanta, GA, 2019. Federal and state health agencies are waiting on the result of tests for radiation at Colonia High School in Woodbridge as officials look for causes of a suspected "cancer cluster" among former students and staff, the town's mayor said Monday. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The situation first came to light after Colonia High School alumnus Al Lupiano identified at least 104 former students and staff who suffered from rare brain tumors and cancer. 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