To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. 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. Despite the number of cases, officials first have to find if there is indeed a connection between the school grounds and the brain tumors. Lunch time or After School FAFSA Lab Sessions. We're improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. A more in-depth investigation might include getting more thorough medical histories from affected people, as well as testing blood or other body fluid samples from both affected and non-affected people. There can be several reasons for this. National Cancer Institute. Humans arent like lab animals their environments arent strictly controlled. Often theres a concern that the cancers might be caused by some type of carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in the environment. People are exposed to countless natural and man-made substances during their lifetimes, and to make this even more complex, these can interact with each other. 2023 NewsmaxHealth. 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. If you are concerned about a possible cancer cluster, contact your local or state health department. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 This petition starter stood up and took action. 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. Even if statistics show that it may be a true cluster, its important to know that its very rare that a cause is found. Possible cancer clusters tend to get a lot of attention in the news and other forms of media. The CDC is the agency most often involved in cancer cluster investigations. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. Just how big should the bulls eye be? 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. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High School cancer mystery. McCormac added that calling it a cancer cluster was "wrong." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define a cancer cluster as "a greater-than-expected number of . 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. Facebook Colonia High School A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. For example: Random patterns can form a cluster: Even if the number of cases in an area is higher than expected, it still might not be caused by a single factor or exposure. Research. 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. 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. Based on this, most suspected clusters can be determined not to be true clusters, and no further investigation is needed. Testing paid for by Woodbridge is now well underway, as an increasingly large affected community waits and hopes for answers. But Al Lupiano, a former Colonia student who published the growing list of brain tumor victims, said the agencies are still not acting quickly enough. 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. 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. 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. The cancers should either be all of the same type or types of cancer that are known to have the same cause. Support our nonprofit newsroom. Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. 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! For example: McClintock's Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey. Available Every Minute of Every Day. J Natl Cancer Inst. "It was shock," Al Lupiano, a former student, told "GMA" at the time. Some of the circles with more cases might be clusters that have a single cause, but most would be due to chance. Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox. Suppose you took a map of the United States and started drawing random circles of different sizes in different locations. Cancer mystery at NJ school More than 100 people who graduated from Colonia High School have developed brain cancer. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet on April 29, 2019. Some people might be comforted if an investigation finds no clear cause for a cluster, but others might find it worrisome or frustrating. Targeted Outreach A targeted outreach approach can be very useful. But just what is a cancer cluster? Fall Senior Class Presentations: Counselorsprovide students with access to new and important college going tools. 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 After the results of her own study were released, Komorek decided to transfer her daughters out of their high school and the school said they have sent Komorek's study results to state health and environmental agencies. 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. 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). 2023 NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Advocates urge action to see if brain tumor cases are linked at Woodbridge school. 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. Random patterns are the most common reason for a cancer cluster with no identified cause. Officials in Woodbridge Township, where Colonia is located, opened an investigation but said they found no significant radiation at the high school building. 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. If there is a potential cause, investigators first have to figure out when these people were exposed to it. The number of patients affected in a localized area are higher than what we would expect. These tumors, no one really knows for sure what causes them. If theres a hundred, theres probably a heck of a lot more.. 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. 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. Atlanta, GA, 2019. There are very few direct causes to the types of brain tumors we are talking about., Dr. Frank Attenello, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, tells Newsmax that he is similarly baffled. Regardless of what the radon analysis and radiological survey reveals, air, water, and soil sampling must be conducted right away. "The results of the study identified four compounds: polychlorinated biphenyls and three pesticides -- chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. Not doing it, potentially puts the teachers and students in harms way. Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. 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. 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. Environ Health Perspect. 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, 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Location sought for brain scans in wake of alleged cancer cluster tied to Colonia High School, Colonia High School cancer probe catches NJ Department of Health attention, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It is not enough to address parents of operating school with suspected cancer cluster through written statements given to media outlets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a cancer cluster is defined as a greater-than-expected number of cancer cases that occurs within a group of people in a geographic area over a period of time, Early information from the investigation suggests that the students at the high school may have suffered radiation exposure, although such reports are still unconfirmed., Radiological testing has begun at the school. He has also lost the sight in one eye, and is hearing-impaired, but is smart and funny, with a strong will to live. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this . 20? We and our children deserve more! Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results. 2012. 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. This could take a few more weeks as radon detectors sitting in classrooms collect data. He rejected claims by community members that health officials are moving too slowly to investigate the possible cancer cluster. 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. Gillick, 73, said the Toms River campaign led to a clean water supply thats closely monitored. Its very important that government agencies keep members of the community informed from the start of and throughout the investigation. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. Massimino said he hopes this news gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity to breathe easier. 2012. 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. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. Each part of this definition is important. 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. 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. Should the cases of people who moved into town in recent years be included? 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. 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. 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. Our goal is to continue moving students through the college application process and to help students reach important scholarship deadlines. Some clustering of cancer cases happens by chance, but people tend to notice and report situations where rates seem to be above average. 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 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia. Should it include only the local neighborhood where most of the cases were found? People concerned about a possible cancer cluster can report it to a local or state health department. American Cancer Society. Promotion of partner events: It's important to also promote other events especially local eventsthat students can attend. Or the types of cancer might not be related to each other. 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. College Connect Tempe offers virtual and in-person workshops and 1:1 appointment. If you dont know who to call in your area, the CDC has a list of web links to local and state contacts at .cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/statelocal.htm. Int J Environ Res Public Health. If needed, the state or local health department might ask federal agencies for help with the investigation. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. So, its not uncommon for several people in a relatively small area to develop cancer around the same time. 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. The time period is also important when looking for the possible causes of a cluster. Joanna Gagis joined the NJ Spotlight News team in 2018. Goodman M, Naiman JS, Goodman D, LaKind JS. 2008;100(9):614-621. Komorek also claimed the testing results showed higher levels of compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards. 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. 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.. The parallels are the problems with trying to get exposure to all the organizations to try and get an investigation, he said. Over 122 people connected to Colonia High School were found to have brain tumors. 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. Suspected cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. NJ High School Cancer Cluster Continues to Perplex Experts. 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. 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. As with any random pattern, there will be more cases than expected in some spots, and fewer cases than expected in others. This should include giving people a realistic idea of what may or may not be found. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. 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. Workplace exposures may be more likely to cause cancer because the level of exposure can be higher and might last longer than in other settings. There are reports of radiation causing these tumors at the high school, and as far as environmental exposure, radiation is the most common one, but it is still relatively low. Komorek gathered dust, caulk and soil samples and sent them to outside labs for testing. They really are very lax when it comes to reporting data and investigating it, and its left up to the individuals to find out about it, and its continuing today.. The type(s) of cancer seen is also important. Investigating suspected cancer clusters and responding to community concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Those three compounds are known or are probable carcinogens," Komorek said. Cancer Cluster FAQ. Scientists do their best to piece together the puzzle when there is a cancer cluster, but more times than not, they dont find a likely cause. 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. 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. A New Jersey mom is pushing for more testing at her kids' former school. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for cancer, brain, tumor, colonia, high school, new jersey, radiation, AT&T DirecTV Censorship of Newsmax Continues, See More Here. Credit: (Robert Brainz via Flickr/2.0 Generic/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0), More cases in Colonia High school suspected cancer cluster, State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Colonia High School graduate suggests cancer cases linked to school. Cancer-Causing Toxins Found in New Tests at NJ School, Mom Says, Raising Concerns Earlier this year, officials claimed that penetrating radar tests on the grounds of Colonia High School. 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. Each type of cancer has its own risk factors and causes. It might also include collecting and testing samples from the environment (air, soil, drinking water, etc. For a better-informed future. 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. More cancer cases in the United States are expected in large population centers or in places where the population tends to be older. 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. 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