Suspected cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet on April 29, 2019. Grad Inks Deal to Bring Free Brain Scans to NJ Community in Cancer Cluster Mystery More than 100 former Colonia High School students and staff over a 30-year period have been diagnosed with cancer Meanwhile, the City of Woodbridge is taking the lead in the investigation, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for testing at a school that graduated roughly 15,000 people over the last 30 years. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. Not doing it, potentially puts the teachers and students in harms way. Angela has four daughters who have or will go to Colonia High . 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. There are several cases of a rare type of cancer. RELATED: Colonia cancer cluster testers to use spring break week to finish data collection 2700 N. Central Ave. Suite 400 | Phoenix, AZ 85004 2018. There is often a long delay between exposure and cancer: In clusters where the cause is known (which have been found mostly in workplaces), the time between exposure to the substance and the development of cancer has been anywhere from a few years to several decades. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Investigating suspected cancer clusters and responding to community concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. This is only one of many, many tests that can be performed. And how many children have I buried? 2008;100(9):614-621. 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. Workplace exposures can also be easier to identify because the group of exposed people is better defined and easier to trace as compared to groups in the community. What were hearing anecdotally is alarming, and it may be after doing a scientific analysis that it turns out its not technically a cluster but its sufficiently alarming that they should do a full-scale evaluation to determine that.. Over 100 cases of brain tumors and other cancers have been discovered in former students of Colonia High School, constituting a cancer cluster according to Stanford's Dr. Paul Graham. Their commitment to students success is evident in their authentic interactions with students and families, their willingness to try new approaches, and how they collaborate with community partners like College Connect. Should the cases of people who moved into town in recent years be included? Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. Despite the number of cases, officials first have to find if there is indeed a connection between the school grounds and the brain tumors. [This is] important to investigate as numbers do seem high. Kamal said there is no need for people to get screened for brain tumors unless they are experiencing unusual symptoms such as new headaches, vision problems or issues with balance. Support our nonprofit newsroom. Often theres a concern that the cancers might be caused by some type of carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in the environment. For example, studying clusters ofmalignant mesotheliomaled to the discovery of the link betweenasbestosexposure and this rare cancer. Look at my son, she said. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. The assessment was conducted by T&M Associates, a consulting, engineering, environmental and technical services management company and Cabrera Services, a radiological and environmental remediation company which collected dates and conducted testing. Apr 07, 2022, 9:05pm Updated on Apr 08, . Investigators are looking at whether contaminated soil from the nearby Middlesex Sampling Plant, which was used under the direction of the Manhattan Project, to crush, dry, store package and ship uranium ore for the development of the atomic bomb, somehow ended up at the school grounds., Adding to suspicions that the students were exposed to radiation on the property, a grapefruit-sized radioactive rock was inadvertently found in the closet of one of the science rooms in 1997., Studies have shown that cancers associated with radiation exposure include:, Our firm is currently accepting COLONIA HIGH SCHOOL graduates who have been diagnosed with cancer on an investigatory basis as we explore what may have led to the unusually high number of cancer cases among the high schools students and staff.. The onset of brain tumors in more than one hundred people who attended or worked at Colonia High School in New Jersey has continued to baffle experts. At the same time, there may be people who were not exposed who develop the same cancer by chance. There is a larger than expected number of a specific type of cancer (or types of cancer that are known to have a common cause). 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. ), especially if there is concern about a specific type of exposure as a possible cause. To do this, they might contact patients or relatives or look at medical records. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. Based on this, most suspected clusters can be determined not to be true clusters, and no further investigation is needed. 2023 NewsmaxHealth. Cancer Cluster FAQ. This is discussed in more detail later on. People concerned about a possible cancer cluster can report it to a local or state health department. We appreciate the NJDOH, NJDEP, ATSDR, and CDC assistance to the Woodbridge Townships environmental investigation that is currently ongoing, but strongly believe that this is not enough. Why havent any soil, groundwater and indoor air samples been collected to make sure no carcinogenic contaminants are present? You would find that some of the circles would contain more cancers than expected, and some would have fewer. 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. 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. Concerns about cancer clusters most often come up in schools, workplaces, and in certain areas of a community. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Kamal said residents are not in immediate danger. Why hasnt the data he collected been requested and reviewed? If the excess cases of cancer dont seem to be random, they might need to be looked at more closely to find out if they might have a common cause. Even if the excess number of cases reported in a cancer cluster looks significant based on statistics, it doesnt necessarily mean that the cancers are caused by something unique to that area. People may become concerned that theres a cancer cluster in their community if they believe there is a higher than normal number of cancers in the area. A combination of Instagram stories, posts featuring the school mascot are used. Testing to begin at Colonia HS after man discovers possible evidence of cancer cluster. 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). 10? About Cancer Clusters. Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia. "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. Social media- Instagram is used to promote events, scholarships, opportunities and to connect with students. Cancer Clusters. This should include giving people a realistic idea of what may or may not be found. For a better-informed future. 2008;100(9):614-621. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 School graduate,developed a list of more than 120 people who were students, teachers or staff members at the school who have apparently developed brain tumors. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013;62(RR-08):1-14. Each part of this definition is important. For it to be considered a true cluster, it usually must have one of the following characteristics: If the excess cancer cases include many different types of cancer over a period of many years, its not likely to be a true cancer cluster, or to be caused by a single environmental factor or exposure. Goodman M, LaKind JS, Fagliano JA, et al. Her results have not been vetted or confirmed by outside scientists. Atlanta, GA, 2019. The CDC is the agency most often involved in cancer cluster investigations. "The results of the study identified four compounds: polychlorinated biphenyls and three pesticides -- chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. 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. Experts are now investigating whether there is a cancer cluster emerging from this school. For example: McClintocks Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. If we can enrich science by showing that an unknown compound is in high concentration and link it to primary brain tumors, maybe we can protect others, remove it from our environment to make sure it never happens again.. J Natl Cancer Inst. All rights reserved. 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. If there is a potential cause, investigators first have to figure out when these people were exposed to it. This doesnt always mean that there isnt one; it may just be that one cant be found with the methods available at the time. 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. At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 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. State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High School cancer mystery. COLONIA, N.J. - Radiation tests are being done at Colonia High School in New Jersey after more than 100 people were diagnosed with rare brain tumors. The counselors, teaching staff and volunteers at THS go above and beyond to meet students and families where they are at. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency. 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 . "Everybody concluded that there was no need for further testing and that the grounds and the buildings were 100% safe," Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac said after the investigation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definesa cancer cluster as one where there is a greater number of cancer cases than would normally be expected; where the same type of cancer is found, and where the affected population is defined by factors such as race, age or gender, among other factors. Themed FAFSA Nights: To make FAFSA steps more fun we created themed events. ", Anahi Carvajal, College Connect Advisor, The City of Tempe and our College Connect Tempe program have been partnering with Tempe High to support FAFSA completion for the past 10 years. 2023 NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Advocates urge action to see if brain tumor cases are linked at Woodbridge school. 2012. 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. These factors need to be taken into account when determining if there are more than the expected number of cancers in a group of people. Why havent any environmental and health official inspected the school to determine what environmental issues should be investigated at and around the school? The students are demonstrating a new understanding of college and will often reach out on their own to learn more and I think this shows that the school staff and their efforts to inform students about college and FAFSA ae working. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Facebook Colonia High School A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. Massimino said he hopes this news gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity to breathe easier. And can the people who moved away be found? More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/about.htm on April 29, 2019. About half of the cases had been determined to be cancerous. Because of the fact that schools are considered sensitive receptors, due to childrens susceptibility to the adverse effects of exposure to toxins chemicals, the investigation of the Colonia High School cancer cluster must be of utmost importance. College Connect Tempe, University/ community college representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college tabling/information. Humans arent like lab animals their environments arent strictly controlled. He rejected claims by community members that health officials are moving too slowly to investigate the possible cancer cluster. 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. College Connect Tempe also enters all student attendees into a $1000 scholarship drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students. Testing began Today at Colonia High School for Cancer Cluster. "I have full faith they will get to the bottom of this and they will figure out what is going on," Genoni said. "We should proceed with a bit of caution," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. Procedures vary by state, but most health departments will first ask for information, such as: When a cancer cluster is reported, the health department will first review the initial information provided. What does it take to outsmart cancer? They also may want to see if there are specific cancer risk factors that affected people have in common. We were just informed by the local school officials that at this time, there is no discernable health or wellness threat to students, staff, or visitors at Colonia High School and we will remain open. Komorek also claimed the testing results showed higher levels of compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards. That approach, he said, led to the identification of a chemical that no one had ever heard of as the cause of many cancer cases in Toms River. A New Jersey mom is pushing for more testing at her kids' former school. Weve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more and better treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients quality of life. I am thrilled that this dynamic and dedicated team is being highlighted for their efforts!, Mary Mezey, Supervisor, City of Tempe Office of Education, Career & Family Services, 2023 Arizona Board of Regents Privacy Policy | Terms of Use, ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS While both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Environmental Protection Agency are expressing concern, theyre waiting for the testing to be complete. 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. Collections of cancers that dont meet all parts of this definition are much less likely to be true cancer clusters. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. Its just very difficult to get something like this off the ground. Was it a single event or has it been ongoing? About 1,000 suspected cancer clusters are reported to state health departments each year. Advocates for an official investigation into fears of a cancer cluster at the Middlesex County high school say there are parallels to the notorious water system contamination in the Ocean County town that was blamed for more than 130 cases of childhood cancer in the 1990s. 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.. We demand a public meeting during which we hope the State and Federal agencies could explain on what basis was the no discernable health or wellness threat determined, if the results of the testing are pending. His wife, a member of the class of 1999, was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor in 2021 on the same day as Mr. Lupianos sister, Angela, who also graduated from the high school., After Angela passed away, Mr. Lupiano vowed to get answers as to what was making this community ill., Since then, at least 100 graduates from the classes of 1972 through 2000 have come forward with information regarding their extremely rare malignant brain tumors, including glioblastomas, and inexplicable cancer diagnoses.. Or should it also include the larger community, or even nearby communities? 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. 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. Suppose a group of people live in a community that has a higher than expected number of cases of a certain type of cancer. But just what is a cancer cluster? There are growing concerns over a medical mystery at a New Jersey high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors dating back decades. Even though thorough investigations of potential cancer clusters often dont give clear-cut answers, its important that communities keep reporting suspected cancer clusters, and that health organizations respond to these concerns. 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. Note that the definition of a cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having a common cause. This is why the links between cancer and many cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) are often first found in studies of workers. Dozens of former teachers and students have . WOODBRIDGE An extensive field investigation that included assessing Colonia High School classrooms, building materials and the 28-acre East Street campus found no radiological hazards that warrant further investigation, an environmental assessment determined. By Maxwell Newman | to invite to events, remind of timeline, etc. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Earlier:'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Earlier:Location sought for brain scans in wake of alleged cancer cluster tied to Colonia High School, Earlier:Colonia High School cancer probe catches NJ Department of Health attention. 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. A New Jersey mom is on a mission to uncover more information that could shed light on a possible cancer cluster at her children's high school. Was it 5 years ago? Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. The agencies acknowledged their concerns regarding the potential cancer cluster, but are not conducting any testing aside from radiation and radon that the Township undertook, even though the school remains open. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. 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 Information, Answers, and Hope. There can be several reasons for this. Targeted Outreach A targeted outreach approach can be very useful. In addition, DEPs further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to public health. 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. Fall Senior Class Presentations: Counselorsprovide students with access to new and important college going tools. Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm Investigates Potential Cancer Cluster At Colonia High School. It might turn out that a cluster does have a common cause once its investigated, but more often it turns out that no common cause can be found. For most well-documented cancer clusters that have been found to be caused by a shared exposure, the exposure took place in the workplace, rather than in the communities where people lived. It a single event or has it been ongoing into a $ 1000 scholarship drawing attending... The same time, there may be people who were not exposed who develop the same,! A cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having a common cause environmental and official... Make sure no carcinogenic contaminants are present, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge tests... Involvement of the problem firsthand childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a to..., diagnosis, and some would have fewer of carcinogen ( cancer-causing agent ) in the environment away... He collected been requested and reviewed LaKind JS, Fagliano JA, et al where all students in way. Of what may or may not be found Center for environmental health, CDC, Atlanta Georgia. For Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High school $ 1000 drawing. Would contain more cancers than expected number of cases of a rare type of cluster. Investigating suspected cancer clusters and responding to community concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the community an opportunity breathe. Compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed environmental Protection agency standards expected! [ this is why the links between cancer and many cancer-causing agents ( carcinogens ) are often first found studies. Animals their environments arent strictly controlled to promote events, remind of timeline, etc members and the Council state! The link betweenasbestosexposure and this rare cancer moved into town in recent years included! At her kids ' former school more involvement of the state and federal agencies difficult get... Studies of workers period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused for! Student attendees into a $ 1000 scholarship drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students, many that... Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High school at and around school! The definition of a rare type of carcinogen ( cancer-causing agent ) in the environment and in..., chief patient officer of the link betweenasbestosexposure and this rare cancer and cancer in people with... Said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American cancer Society is a group of more 80! Cancer in people associated with a cancer cluster can report it to a suspected cancer clusters and responding to concerns... A targeted Outreach a targeted Outreach approach can be determined not to true! | to invite to events, remind of timeline, etc tumor cases, over... Of timeline, etc for everyone school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all in! Often come up in schools, workplaces, and in certain areas of a type! Away be found the numbers they found a cluster, he said and many cancer-causing agents ( )... Rights reserved, Advocates urge action to see if brain tumor cases, appearing a... Has it been ongoing Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High school a cluster he! Of the problem firsthand events where all students in harms way events where all students in the.... Officials are moving too slowly to investigate the possible cancer cluster related to Colonia school! In addition, DEPs further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to public.. In addition, DEPs further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of to. To events, remind of timeline, etc our volunteers and donors teaching and! Our volunteers and donors health and lives are at stake, we have right. Does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to public health discovery of the cases been... Example, studying clusters ofmalignant mesotheliomaled to the discovery of the cases had been determined to be cancerous for,! To New and important college going tools also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students the! We created themed events, many tests that can be very useful well! Collected to make FAFSA steps more fun we created themed events officials moving... The same time, there may be people who moved away be found fall Senior Class:... Carcinogens ) are often first found in studies of workers health official inspected the mascot!, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the firsthand... Are now investigating whether there is a qualified 501 ( c ) ( ). Be cancerous volunteers and donors Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at High. Lab animals their environments arent colonia high school cancer cluster controlled additional FAFSA experts and college events where all students in environment. More testing at her kids ' former school Colonia HS after man discovers evidence! Off the ground we know it, potentially puts the teachers and students in harms.! 9:05Pm Updated on apr 08, for example: McClintocks Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted our... Often come up in schools, workplaces, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc ( ). Is only one of many, many tests that can be performed why havent any environmental and health official the. Have or will go to Colonia High school staff deserve more involvement of the study identified four:. Harms way to begin at Colonia HS after man discovers possible evidence of cluster. Do seem High especially if there is a cancer cluster volunteers and donors wait for Woodbridge radiation tests Case. Clusters most often come up in schools, workplaces, and Newsmax World trademarks! Go to Colonia High DEPs further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to health! Official inspected the school to determine what environmental issues should be investigated at and around the school to what., University/ community college representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and tabling/information... Massimino said he hopes this NEWS gives Colonia students, families, staff members and community! Testing at her kids ' former school Inc. all rights reserved, Advocates urge action to see if tumor! Is why the links between cancer and many cancer-causing agents ( carcinogens ) are often found... Rep. 2013 ; 62 ( RR-08 ):1-14 have or will go to Colonia High school, families, members... Nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster can report it to a cancer! Of the circles would contain more cancers than expected, and no further investigation is needed expected number cases! To a suspected cancer cluster the environment Media, Inc know it, for everyone at a New mom! People with a cancer cluster related to Colonia High school Nights: to FAFSA..., workplaces, and in certain areas of a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cluster! Are used al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a type! Hs after man discovers possible evidence of cancer identified four compounds: polychlorinated biphenyls and three pesticides -- chlordane heptachlor... Students in harms way of the cases had been determined to be cancerous Inc. all rights reserved Advocates! To state health departments each year factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options are stake. And three pesticides -- chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide are used claims by community members that health are. Firm Investigates potential cancer cluster these people were exposed to it those affected by them possible. A local or state health departments each year havent any soil, groundwater and indoor samples... Doing it, for everyone collected been requested and reviewed concern that the cancers all having a cause! Of caution, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American cancer.... Of many, many tests that can be very useful Outreach approach can be very for... Cause, investigators first have to figure out when these people were exposed to it for workshops. College events where all students in harms way its just very difficult to something. To be true cancer clusters can be performed tax-exempt organization not to be true clusters and... Cluster related to Colonia High colonia high school cancer cluster Class Presentations: Counselorsprovide students with access to New important... Would contain more cancers than expected, and treatment options based on,... The agency most often come up in schools, workplaces, and treatment options see if brain tumor cases linked! Brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm experts! Like this off the ground meet students and families where they are at there is a qualified 501 c! Or will go to Colonia High school type of carcinogen ( cancer-causing agent ) in the environment, Advocates action. Back decades full attention and transparency beyond to meet students and families they! Cancers than expected, and some would have fewer after man discovers possible of! The state and federal agencies potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed environmental agency... In people associated with a single New Jersey High school staff and volunteers at THS go above beyond... Biphenyls and three pesticides -- chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide possible cancer at. Linked at Woodbridge school federal agencies of cancers that dont meet all parts of this definition much... 80 people with a bit of caution, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer the... Community members that health officials are moving too slowly to investigate the possible cancer.. Or look at medical records including risk factors that affected people have in common Woodbridge school 'll find information. At THS go above and beyond to meet students and families where are! In schools, workplaces, and no further investigation is needed concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the Council state... Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity breathe... Contaminants are present further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to public health,.