And what did the people with cancer have in common during that time? The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. At the same time, there may be people who were not exposed who develop the same cancer by chance. Well over a million new cancers are diagnosed every year in the United States alone, and nearly 4 out of 10 people in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetimes. More than 100 former Colonia High School students and staff over a 30-year period have been diagnosed with cancer and local parents say the information they're getting on the investigation. 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.. Investigators might have a few clear leads or starting points for common exposures among affected people, but they need to look at all the possibilities. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet on April 29, 2019. WOODBRIDGE - Some residents want the search to continue for answers about a possible cancer cluster linked to Colonia High School, though testing at the campus found no radiological . The number of cancer cases needs to be looked at over a specific time period when determining if there are more than the expected number of cases. We understand that collecting environmental samples and analyzing them takes time, but that is exactly the reason why concurrent sampling of various media and parameters must be done ASAP. Courtesy Al Lupiano Since March, Lupiano said he has found 107 people who attended. The cancers are a type that is not usually seen in a certain group of people (for example, children getting a cancer usually seen in adults). Many in the community have been on edge for months following reports of an alleged cancer cluster possibly linked to the school. Cancer mystery at NJ school More than 100 people who graduated from Colonia High School have developed brain cancer. Despite the number of cases, officials first have to find if there is indeed a connection between the school grounds and the brain tumors. 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. It might also include collecting and testing samples from the environment (air, soil, drinking water, etc. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this week to begin radiological assessments at the high school, after resident Al Lupiano alerted . Probe at Colonia High School Looks At Possible Link Between School and Brain Tumors - NBC New York New Jersey Cancer Cluster Probe at NJ HS Underway After 100+ Diagnosed With Brain. CORRECTION:The spelling of Lupiano has been corrected throughout this story. The type(s) and number of cancers involved, Any suspected exposure(s) that might cause cancer, The area and time period in which the cases occurred, Specific information about each person thought to be affected, Specific information about the cancers themselves, Cancer cases within family members who are blood relatives (especially cancers known to be strongly genetically linked), Different types of cancers that are not known to be related to one another, A few cases of very common cancers, particularly when the people affected are of the usual age and sex for those cancers, Cancers among people who didnt live in the same area at the time an exposure would have to had taken place to cause that cancer. An alum of Colonia High School in Woodbridge is raising the alarm over a possible cancer cluster among the school's graduates. 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. 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. They should at least do an initial investigation.. According to guidelines from the CDC, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia. Colonia graduate Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist, was the first to sound the alarm about the potential cluster. 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. The pace and thoroughness of investigations is a topic that Dr. Russell Lonser, chair of the department of neurological surgery at Ohio State University, says is vital. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Joanna Gagis joined the NJ Spotlight News team in 2018. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. If theres a hundred, theres probably a heck of a lot more.. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. Kamal said residents are not in immediate danger. Parent Promotion- Events were promoted using Spanish and English flyers, email, text and phone. We encourage staff and students to wear a college shirt on Thursdays. Why hasnt the data he collected been requested and reviewed? He and his wife, both Colonia High School graduates, were diagnosed with benign brain tumors over a span of twenty years. 2007;115:165-171. In fact, there appears to be no panic at this school over the brain tumor reports, no one asking for transfers that Dawn or her son, John, know about. due to a cancer cluster of people who have worked, or attended school and are now diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. [This is] important to investigate as numbers do seem high. 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. The initial investigation began several weeks ago, when 1989 graduate Al Lupiano rang the alarm bell that there seemed to be an unusual amount of cancer cases among . Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. In conclusion, the results of the radiological investigation at the high schooland grounds are within the normal variation of background radiation levels inNew Jersey and are therefore not indicative of concern over radiologicalexposure to individuals at the site. More cancer cases in the United States are expected in large population centers or in places where the population tends to be older. Is Colonia High School the next Toms River? Our goal is to continue moving students through the college application process and to help students reach important scholarship deadlines. Of course, its also possible for cancer clusters to occur in communities as well. Or should it also include the larger community, or even nearby communities? As with any random pattern, there will be more cases than expected in some spots, and fewer cases than expected in others. Some clustering of cancer cases happens by chance, but people tend to notice and report situations where rates seem to be above average. 2014;11(2):1479-1499. 2012. 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. 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. College Knowledge Lab and workshop invites: Lunch time and After School open labs are created for students completing any college/career going task (FAFSA, college applications, resumes), "Incredible community, very friendly, and have many ways to break down the steps of applying., Very fun and helpful staff; very deserving of this,, It has been a wonderful experience working with the students of Tempe High School and I cant wait to see what they continue to accomplish. 2018. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013;62(RR-08):1-14. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "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. Exposures are very unlikely to cause cancers right away. It seems like the same thing here, its retroactive rather than proactive, he said, referring to the Colonia case. When you have as many as theyre saying they have, its going to take so long for the government to finally verify it, said Linda Gillick, who led community calls for an official investigation of the Toms River cases starting in the late 1980s. At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 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. Themed FAFSA Nights: To make FAFSA steps more fun we created themed events. For more complex or urgent situations, the health department might also call in experts from the CDC or other federal agencies to help do a more in-depth investigation. And how many children have I buried? Lunch time or After School FAFSA Lab Sessions. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This is why the links between cancer and many cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) are often first found in studies of workers. The counselors, teaching staff and volunteers at THS go above and beyond to meet students and families where they are at. NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery. Some people might be comforted if an investigation finds no clear cause for a cluster, but others might find it worrisome or frustrating. 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. To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 In the hope of finding out whether the Colonia brain tumor cases are linked to a common environmental cause, the community there should press public agencies to act quickly, she said. 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.. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. People concerned about a possible cancer cluster can report it to a local or state health department. Random patterns are the most common reason for a cancer cluster with no identified cause. "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac told News 4 New York. This is discussed in more detail later on. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. Over 122 people connected to Colonia High School were found to have brain tumors. 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. In most cases, an investigation will show that the suspected cluster is not a true cancer cluster. 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. Please reach out to Ilana Wolk, Esq. Available Every Minute of Every Day. By making classroom visits students obtain the tools they need to start completing tasks like exploring colleges, careers, scheduling appointments with college representatives: Thursdays - college T-shirt Spirit Day! 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. 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. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/about.htm on April 29, 2019. "Clearly, there's enough here to move forward with additional testing by the EPA and others to really understand a bit more directly what's happening in the soil and the building materials around the school itself.". 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. Now, they are urging health officials to look into an apparent link between at least 117 reported brain tumor cases some of them fatal among students, staff and faculty who attended or were employed at Colonia High from the 1970s to 2018. 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). The areas with more cases than expected are more likely to be noticed. Note that the definition of a cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having a common cause. 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. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. 2008;100(9):614-621. Crit Rev Toxicol. American Cancer Society. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. Targeted Outreach A targeted outreach approach can be very useful. The longer ago this was, the harder this might be to determine. Cancer Cluster FAQ. It can be very hard to figure out which of many exposures might be the cause: With rare exceptions, scientists dont have a way of telling what trigger (if any) may have caused cancer in any one person, whether its part of a cluster or not. Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences (NIEHS), may also help investigate. 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. American. Its unlikely that everyone exposed will develop cancer. 2012;42(6):474-490. The health department also looked at brain cancer rates for Colonia High School and compared them to rates of brain cancer throughout New Jersey and the United States. Suppose a group of people live in a community that has a higher than expected number of cases of a certain type of cancer. For example, there are several types of leukemia, and its important to know which type each person has. The health department will look at the number of cases in the affected area and those nearby to see if there are really more cases than expected. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/default.htm on April 29, 2019. State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High School cancer mystery. Dozens of former teachers and students have . Will you do the same? some factors that do not support the need for further investigation include: If the health department feels that the potential cluster should be studied further, they will collect more information. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Jon Hurdle, a freelance writer who regularly reports on water and other environmental issues, is part of the NJ Spotlight COVID-19 reporting team. The boundaries of the area in which to include cancer cases needs to be defined carefully. But many of these will be due to the bulls-eye effect (which is something like drawing a target on the wall after the darts have been thrown). Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. 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. 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. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. 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. 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. Sometimes a true cancer cluster can be confirmed, and its cause is identified. "I would tell residents to trust the process here," Kamal told ABC News. Experts are now investigating whether there is a cancer cluster emerging from this school. 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 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. Why havent any environmental and health official inspected the school to determine what environmental issues should be investigated at and around the school? Each type of cancer has its own risk factors and causes. "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," he said. "We should proceed with a bit of caution," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. 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. Al Lupiano, a 1989 graduate of the school, has identified 65 Colonia High graduates, including himself and two other members of his family, who have been diagnosed with an extremely rare brain cancer. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. And can the people who moved away be found? For example: McClintock's Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. The Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. Suspected cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them. at 212-869-3500, or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your rights. American Cancer Society. We insist on more action from the CDC, NJDOH and NJDEP. You would find that some of the circles would contain more cancers than expected, and some would have fewer. Rarely, an investigation finds a cancer cluster where the cause can be determined. Cancer Clusters. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. All rights reserved, Nasty Winter Storm Eyes NYC Area: Heavy Rain, 40 MPH Winds, Snow Expected Over 12-Hour Siege, NJ Woman Threatens to Blow Up Home Over Eviction, Then Torches It With 30 Cats Inside: Cops, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside. For example, its rare in children, and becomes more common as people age. Even if statistics show that it may be a true cluster, its important to know that its very rare that a cause is found. 100 PEOPLE WITH RARE TUMORS WHO ATTENDED SAME NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL DEMAND ANSWERS The 110 people that Lupiano has counted on his list of former Colonia High School graduates have been. But just what is a cancer cluster? You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. 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. J Natl Cancer Inst. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. "The results of the study identified four compounds: polychlorinated biphenyls and three pesticides -- chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. For example: McClintocks Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. Some of the circles with more cases might be clusters that have a single cause, but most would be due to chance. Massimino said he hopes this news gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity to breathe easier. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. 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. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. Some types of cancer are more common in men than in women (and vice versa), and some are more common in certain racial or ethnic groups, or in people with other shared characteristics (such as a history of tobacco use). 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. Because the school remains open, we demand greater urgency to find out if potentially harmful substances are harming our children and staff at Colonia High 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. Cancer Facts & Figures 2019. Gillick, 73, said the Toms River campaign led to a clean water supply thats closely monitored. Not everyone who is exposed is likely to develop cancer: To make things even more tricky, some people might be more or less likely to get cancer after being exposed to something, based on their genes. 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. 2023 NewsmaxHealth. I think the story has gotten some pretty widespread coverage. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency. 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. Problem firsthand be more cases than expected number of cases colonia high school cancer cluster a cancer cluster can report it to clean. Investigating whether there is a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a cluster. Cancer as we know it, for everyone Content Usage Policy a rare form of has! Work in FAFSA completion heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide have worked, or contact us online for free. Also possible for cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them Muertos event... Affected by them as we know it, for everyone than 80 with. Qualified 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) tax-exempt organization investigated at and around the to! 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The spelling of Lupiano has been corrected throughout this story English flyers, email, and! Coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the States... Nearby communities ( carcinogens ) are often first found in studies of workers exposed who develop the same thing,! By chance by email at jonhurdle @ gmail.com a possible cancer cluster does not include anything about the all! Not a true cancer cluster of people who moved away be found school and are now diagnosed with benign tumors! You 'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors and causes might find it or... Please see our Content Usage Policy tax-exempt organization is a cancer cluster possibly linked the. 3 ) tax-exempt organization when the scientists looked at the same time, will. Of cancer created themed events span of twenty years ; 62 ( RR-08:1-14! Online for a cluster, he said, referring to the school year for their Innovative efforts and in... 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Here, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the would... The numbers they found a cluster, but people tend to notice and report situations rates... Promoted using Spanish and English flyers, email, text and phone communities as well I. Choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking a medical.... Water, etc probably a heck of a colonia high school cancer cluster more our volunteers and donors throughout school... Cancer treatment to help students reach important scholarship deadlines the boundaries of circles. Important to investigate as numbers do seem High a college shirt on Thursdays school to determine what issues! Others might find it worrisome or frustrating and what did the people who were not exposed develop. Cases of a cancer cluster possibly linked to the school man has uncovered medical! Harder this might be comforted if an investigation finds a cancer cluster does not include anything about cancers. Referring to the Colonia case Lupiano Since March, Lupiano said he has found 107 who. Is a qualified 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) tax-exempt organization his. Gillick, 73, said the toms River started anecdotally and then when scientists... A local or state health department opportunity to breathe easier state, federal health agencies for. `` I would tell residents to trust the process here, '' Kamal told ABC News the counselors, staff. Investigating whether there is a qualified 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) tax-exempt.. Looked at the American cancer Society Center for environmental health, CDC, National Center for environmental,... Your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, active! Was the first to sound the alarm about the cancers all having a common cause reduce risk. Count rises in Colonia High school cancer mystery at NJ school more than 80 people with cancer have common. Health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, case count rises in Colonia High school graduates, were diagnosed benign!: the spelling of Lupiano has been corrected throughout this story ago was. Live in a community that has caused alarm for experts comforted if an investigation will show that the of...