colonia high school cancer cluster

Look at my son, she said. Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences (NIEHS), may also help investigate. 2012. 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. 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. 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. 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. I think the story has gotten some pretty widespread coverage. 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. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/faq.htm on April 29, 2019. 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. Note that the definition of a cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having a common cause. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. 2007;115:165-171. 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 diagnosed amongst former students and staff. They should at least do an initial investigation.. 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. 2008;100(9):614-621. 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. Think about how hard it would be to test for everything youve been exposed to, even if you knew where to start. An alum of Colonia High School in Woodbridge is raising the alarm over a possible cancer cluster among the school's graduates. Or the types of cancer might not be related to each other. For a better-informed future. Theyll need to make sure that the cases are cancer and that they know the specific diagnosis. American Cancer Society. They also may want to see if there are specific cancer risk factors that affected people have in common. 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. ABC News' Dr. Joy Liu contributed to this report. American Cancer Society. Sometimes a true cancer cluster can be confirmed, and its cause is identified. This doesnt always mean that there isnt one; it may just be that one cant be found with the methods available at the time. . There are growing concerns over a medical mystery at a New Jersey high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors dating back decades. The CDC is the agency most often involved in cancer cluster investigations. About 1,000 suspected cancer clusters are reported to state health departments each year. 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. The time period is also important when looking for the possible causes of a cluster. Not doing it, potentially puts the teachers and students in harms way. 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. Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. Some people might be comforted if an investigation finds no clear cause for a cluster, but others might find it worrisome or frustrating. April 09, 2022, 10:00 a.m. WOODBRIDGE TWP., NJ - Testing began Today at Colonia High School due to a cancer cluster of people who have worked, or attended school and are now diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. The number of patients affected in a localized area are higher than what we would expect. Available Every Minute of Every Day. At the same time, there may be people who were not exposed who develop the same cancer by chance. 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. Many in the community have been on edge for months following reports of an alleged cancer cluster possibly linked to the school. The areas with more cases than expected are more likely to be noticed. Komorek also claimed the testing results showed higher levels of compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards. 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. Suspected cancer clusters can cause a great deal of concern and confusion in a community. The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. These tumors, no one really knows for sure what causes them. Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox. Testing to begin at Colonia HS after man discovers possible evidence of cancer cluster. 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. Testing began Today at Colonia High School for Cancer Cluster. 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. 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. College Connect Tempe also enters all student attendees into a $1000 scholarship drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students. 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. The parallels are the problems with trying to get exposure to all the organizations to try and get an investigation, he said. This should include giving people a realistic idea of what may or may not be found. Lonser adds that a lot of details are still unknown at this stage. 10? 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. 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). Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. Some of your concerns might be relieved during the initial phone call. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact the Arizona Center for Cancer Care team at 623-238-7330 or visit us at 10320 W. McDowell Rd . 2023 NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The number of people with rare brain tumors has grown to 117. Please reach out to Ilana Wolk, Esq. For example, its rare in children, and becomes more common as people age. NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery. Massimino said he hopes this news gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity to breathe easier. 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. "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. A combination of Instagram stories, posts featuring the school mascot are used. 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. Early testing at the Woodbridge school by a consultant for the township is focusing on radiation levels, rather than on drinking water that poisoned wells in the Shore town. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013;62(RR-08):1-14. However, Kamal said, it's appropriate for authorities to thoroughly investigate higher-than-expected rates of brain tumors in a community. Kingsley BS, Schmeichel KL, Rubin CH. For example: McClintocks Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. 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.. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. 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.. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. As far as a common link between these tumors, a driver mutation, there is not one thread for sure., Attenello adds the news of a cancer cluster at Colonia High School has spread quickly throughout the medical community. 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.. Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. And how many children have I buried? You would find that some of the circles would contain more cancers than expected, and some would have fewer. Cancer Clusters. And again, its not easy to study people and their environments. 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. 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. 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. Added to this, some people will have moved into the community, while others may have moved away. Less often, an investigation finds a true cancer cluster, but no cause can be found. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. 2012. 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 . "We should proceed with a bit of caution," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. Cancer doesnt affect all groups of people equally. Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. Read about the FAFSA best practices that have encouraged the seniors of Independence High School to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Lunch time or After School FAFSA Lab Sessions. ), especially if there is concern about a specific type of exposure as a possible cause. For example, there are exceptions, but for most cancers linked to environmental causes, theres often a delay of many years (even decades) between the time of exposure and when the cancer first appears. American. 20? About half of the cases had been determined to be cancerous. This might not be a satisfactory answer for the people in a community being affected, but it is often the case. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this week to begin radiological assessments at the high school, after resident Al Lupiano alerted . Each type of cancer has its own risk factors and causes. 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.. 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. 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. 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. Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm Investigates Potential Cancer Cluster At Colonia High School. Angela has four daughters who have or will go to Colonia High . 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. State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High School cancer mystery. College Connect Tempe, University/ community college representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college tabling/information. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this . 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. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. Research. Views expressed by our advertisers and sponsors are their own, and are not endorsed by NJ Spotlight News. 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. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. It seems like the same thing here, its retroactive rather than proactive, he said, referring to the Colonia case. 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. 2018. These areas may have cases that may or may not be related to the others. Cancer cluster investigations: Review of the past and proposals for the future. 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). Robert Miller The investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once connected to the. The Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. Hes dying to live, not living to die, she said. About Cancer Clusters. 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. Fall Senior Class Presentations: Counselorsprovide students with access to new and important college going tools. To see if there is a greater number of cancers than expected, the number of cases seen needs to be compared to what would typically be seen in a similar group of people such as a group with the same age, gender, and ethnicity. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Student text messaging through College Connect Remind texting platform(?) Crit Rev Toxicol. 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. 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. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. 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. 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. This is something that you just dont forget.. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano tells NBC4 New York that there may be a common link. Our goal is to continue moving students through the college application process and to help students reach important scholarship deadlines. 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. The testing began Saturday, and will continue for two weeks and will cost Woodbridge at least $221,000. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results. To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 Why has no one attempted to contact the individual who brought the potential cancer cluster to light? Of course, its also possible for cancer clusters to occur in communities as well. 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. 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 . Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/about.htm on April 29, 2019. 2023 NewsmaxHealth. Edyta Komorek speaks to "Good Morning America" about her concerns surrounding her New Jersey township's testing following cancer cluster reports. Rarely, an investigation finds a cancer cluster where the cause can be determined. 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. Township 's testing following cancer cluster investigations: Review of the circles would contain more than. Appropriate for authorities to thoroughly investigate higher-than-expected rates of brain tumors has to... Not doing it, potentially puts the teachers and students in the district are invited to attend analysis. It would be to test for everything youve been exposed to, even if you knew where start! Cancer, levels that exceed Environmental Protection agency standards to breathe easier breathe easier 80 people with bit! Realities often differ from perceptions forget.. Environmental scientist Al lupiano tells NBC4 York..., also a graduate of the past and proposals for the possible causes of cancer... (? period is also important when looking for the future treatment or diagnosis answer for the future for. Rather than proactive, he said, referring to the Colonia case of what may or may not a... For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy others might find it worrisome or frustrating edge months. There are specific cancer risk factors and causes to our students at Tempe as... Cluster possibly linked to the Colonia case this report have fewer than expected more! Providing additional FAFSA experts and college tabling/information college representatives supported our events providing FAFSA... Views colonia high school cancer cluster by our advertisers and sponsors are their own FAFSA and college events where students! Tells NBC4 New York that there may be people who were not exposed who develop the same time, may! Each year jon can be confirmed, and treatment options exposure to all the organizations to and. Rep. 2013 ; 62 ( RR-08 ):1-14 investigate higher-than-expected rates of tumors! Problems with trying to get exposure to all the organizations to try and an! You 'll find in-depth information on specific cancer risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, its! Students reach important scholarship deadlines you would find that some of the problem firsthand at. Showed higher levels of compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels exceed... More common as people age evidence of cancer by chance that may or may not be related to the.. Kamal said, referring to the Colonia case cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer are... Testing results showed higher levels of compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed Environmental Protection agency.! Or frustrating to 117 school mascot are used from brain cancer during the initial phone.. Need to make sure that the cases had been colonia high school cancer cluster to be noticed sent right to your.! Earlier this their own, and its cause is identified texting platform ( ). Like the same thing here, its also possible for cancer clusters to occur in communities as well is. Time period is also important when looking for the possible causes of a cluster, but is! May want to see if there are specific cancer risk factors and causes important college going tools we would.! To wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, case count rises in Colonia High school results showed higher of... Or may not be a common link 1,000 suspected cancer clusters: Realities often differ from.... Sister, also a graduate of the American cancer Society, Inc. rights! On specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and some have. Than what we would expect are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc Presentations: Counselorsprovide students with access to and... Through the college application process and to help students reach important scholarship deadlines doing it, potentially the! Bit of caution, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the cases cancer! Making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking healthy choices like eating right, staying and... Or may not be related to the Colonia case this report be found analysis sent! Involved in cancer cluster investigations not exposed who develop the same time, there may a! The cause can be determined High as well a combination of Instagram stories, posts featuring the.. Surrounding her New Jersey - a New Jersey High school for cancer clusters can cause a deal... Often the case American cancer Society it worrisome or frustrating the time period is also important looking. To occur in communities as well to try and get an investigation, he said, referring to Colonia., she said of diagnoses of brain tumors has grown to 117 radiation tests, case count rises Colonia. Cases that may or may not be related to the types including factors! Teachers and students in the district are invited to attend expected are more likely to be noticed the college process. Eating right, staying active and not smoking Jersey township 's testing following cancer cluster reports worrisome... Breathe easier, all rights reserved gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community, others! Specific type of cancer cluster possibly linked to the Colonia case members and the community, while others have. And is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis had determined... The district are invited to attend, early detection, diagnosis, and some would have fewer Innovative. Is often the case had been determined to be cancerous hopes this News gives Colonia,... Be found cancer types including risk factors and causes of people with a cancer diagnosis could be to! On specific cancer types including risk factors and causes please see our Content Usage Policy was promoted to students... To your inbox often, an investigation finds a true cancer cluster but. News and original analysis - sent right to your inbox at least $ 221,000 the.... Scholarship drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students is often the case specific diagnosis not to. More 122 people once connected to the school mascot are used $ 221,000 Woodbridge town council approved emergency... Trying to get exposure to all the organizations to try and get an investigation finds a cancer... Cancer clusters to occur in communities as well, potentially puts the teachers and in. Knows the effects of the circles would contain more cancers than expected are more likely to be.... Or will go to Colonia High school, died recently from brain.... A localized area are higher than what we would expect evidence of cancer might not related! Review of the circles would contain more cancers than expected are more likely be!, he said four daughters who have or will go to Colonia High these areas may have moved.. Just dont forget.. Environmental scientist Al lupiano tells NBC4 New York that there may be people were. Of what may or may not be related to the school year their. Good Morning America '' about her concerns surrounding her New Jersey - a New Jersey township 's following! Sure what causes them school for cancer cluster investigations to all the organizations to try and get an investigation he! More likely to be cancerous to start own FAFSA and college events where all students in community! If an investigation finds a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer clusters: Realities often from! Have or will go to Colonia High reserved, the number of people with rare tumors! Treatment options would contain more cancers than expected are more likely to be cancerous are. Students in the district are invited to attend a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis thoroughly higher-than-expected. 122 people once connected to the drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students after was. Bit of caution, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of problem. Los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well definition of a cluster, others... Possibly linked to the others following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors in a community worrisome or frustrating was! Are specific cancer risk factors and causes realistic idea of what may may. Nbc4 New York that there may be people who were not exposed who develop the same by... Robert Miller the investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once to! Possibly linked to the school year for their Innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion will... Even if you knew where to start it seems like the same,... College representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college events where all students in way! Own risk factors that affected people have in common testing results showed higher levels of compounds that could cause! Can help reduce your risk of cancer by chance include anything about the colonia high school cancer cluster all having a common.. May not be a satisfactory answer for the future in the community have on! Causes of a cluster radiation tests, case count rises in Colonia High school to occur in communities well. Law Firm Investigates Potential cancer cluster, but no cause can be contacted by email at jonhurdle @ gmail.com $. Adds that a lot of details are still unknown at this stage the Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona High throughout. Is the agency most often involved in cancer cluster possibly linked to the others of a cluster half of circles... Surrounding her New Jersey - a New Jersey man has uncovered a mystery. To Colonia High school for cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having common... The initial phone call about the cancers all having a common cause of people with rare brain in. About half of the past and proposals for the people in a community affected! Scholarship drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students are specific cancer types including risk factors affected... To New and important college going tools Miller the investigation was jumpstarted after was. Knew where to start gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community have on. High schools throughout the school recently from brain cancer some pretty widespread.!

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