Gillicks son Michael, now 43, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous system, when he was 3 months old, and now has health problems including a massive tumor in his thoracic cavity that pushes on his spine and prevents him from sitting for long, his mother said. Int J Environ Res Public Health. There are growing concerns over a medical mystery at a New Jersey high school following dozens of diagnoses of brain tumors dating back decades. Gillick said the family received financial compensation for Michaels illness as part of a settlement between 69 Toms River families and three companies held responsible for the escape of chemical waste that contaminated the towns water supply. 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. 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. ", 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. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. This could take a few more weeks as radon detectors sitting in classrooms collect data. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. An alum of Colonia High School in Woodbridge is raising the alarm over a possible cancer cluster among the school's graduates. 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. NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery. Its unlikely that everyone exposed will develop cancer. to invite to events, remind of timeline, etc. 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. Gillick, 73, said the Toms River campaign led to a clean water supply thats closely monitored. Komorek also claimed the testing results showed higher levels of compounds that could potentially cause cancer, levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency standards. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. Joanna Gagis joined the NJ Spotlight News team in 2018. Of course, its also possible for cancer clusters to occur in communities as well. 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. Think about how hard it would be to test for everything youve been exposed to, even if you knew where to start. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Some people might be comforted if an investigation finds no clear cause for a cluster, but others might find it worrisome or frustrating. Atlanta, GA, 2019. Officials in Woodbridge Township, where Colonia is located, opened an investigation but said they found no significant radiation at the high school building. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. The days that hes in pain, that he cant do what other children do. And how many children have I buried? In addition, DEPs further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to public health. 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. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Dozens of former teachers and students have . Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this week to begin radiological assessments at the high school, after resident Al Lupiano alerted . College Connect Tempe, University/ community college representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college tabling/information. This petition starter stood up and took action. As a Senior Correspondent, her coverage includes education, health care, the environment, New Jersey politics and more. Investigating suspected cancer clusters and responding to community concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Angela has four daughters who have or will go to Colonia High . The cancers should either be all of the same type or types of cancer that are known to have the same cause. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives. 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. Thursday, 28 April 2022 11:44 AM EDT. 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 . Suppose you took a map of the United States and started drawing random circles of different sizes in different locations. Remind: Using the Remind texting platform to invite students to event and to remind students of upcoming deadlines. Together, were making a difference and you can, too. 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. Support our nonprofit newsroom. 2023 NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Advocates urge action to see if brain tumor cases are linked at Woodbridge school. 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 . Exposures are very unlikely to cause cancers right away. Cancer Facts & Figures 2019.Atlanta, GA, 2019. "We should proceed with a bit of caution," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. Massimino said he hopes this news gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity to breathe easier. 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. Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. 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. Possible cancer clusters tend to get a lot of attention in the news and other forms of media. Crit Rev Toxicol. @tempe_high_counseling, College Knowing and Going partnership - student ambassadors serve as college-going role models and help with the marketing of student events (creating posters, posting on social media). 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). 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.. Below are some of the resources we provide. 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. Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox. Support our nonprofit newsroom. I worry that theyre only talking about the ones they know about. The type(s) of cancer seen is also important. Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. All rights reserved. The Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm is investigating a potential cancer cluster at Colonia High School in Woodbridge, NJ which may be linked to students and staff exposure to radiation on the school grounds over the past five decades.. Just how big should the bulls eye be? Anenvironmental assessment was undertakento investigate concerns that the school buildings and grounds contained radiological contaminants that would contribute to diagnoses of brain cancers and other central nervous system tumors or disorders among former alumni, teachers and students. 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. 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. In 1999, at age 27, he was diagnosed with a large, benign brain tumor. National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia. 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. Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. 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). 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 122 people connected to Colonia High School were found to have brain tumors. 10? 2012. 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.. 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). When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency. It goes on to say that we anticipate receiving results from the comprehensive testing by the end of May. 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. Cancer doesnt affect all groups of people equally. 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. But even so, for the most part, cancer cases in the United States are spread randomly across the country. And what did the people with cancer have in common during that time? Suspected cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results. Trusted Board Certified Radiation Oncologists serving the communities of Avondale, Chandler, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem . Apr 07, 2022, 9:05pm Updated on Apr 08, . Accordingly, no further testing or remediation is required or recommended atthis time," New Jersey Department of Environmental Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in the letter. Targeted Outreach A targeted outreach approach can be very useful. at 212-869-3500, or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your rights. In many cases, investigators can determine that a cluster of cancers isnt a true cluster. Goodman M, LaKind JS, Fagliano JA, et al. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. 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. 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. 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. Is Colonia High School the next Toms River? 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. What does it take to outsmart cancer? Experts are now investigating whether there is a cancer cluster emerging from this school. These tumors, no one really knows for sure what causes them. But Komorek remains unconvinced, believing there could be other possible causes. Not doing it, potentially puts the teachers and students in harms way. Some of your concerns might be relieved during the initial phone call. I think the story has gotten some pretty widespread coverage. Personal phone calls were made by bilingual staff members at Tempe High School. 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. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. Kamal said residents are not in immediate danger. 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. Collections of cancers that dont meet all parts of this definition are much less likely to be true cancer clusters. For example, its rare in children, and becomes more common as people age. 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. 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. The number of patients affected in a localized area are higher than what we would expect. Based on this, most suspected clusters can be determined not to be true clusters, and no further investigation is needed. 2700 N. Central Ave. Suite 400 | Phoenix, AZ 85004 Environmental scientist Al Lupiano tells NBC4 New York that there may be a common link. The boundaries of the cluster area can be hard to define: Defining the geographic cluster area is not always as clear-cut as one might think it would be. 20? 1:44. 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. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. 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. 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. Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. 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. After some digging, a man who attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge, New Jersey, discovered more than 100 former students and staff members had been diagnosed with the same sort of brain tumor diagnosed in his wife, his sister and himself. (Also see the Additional resources section.). The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. Suppose a group of people live in a community that has a higher than expected number of cases of a certain type of cancer. This should include giving people a realistic idea of what may or may not be found. 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. We and our children deserve more! We are concerned Colonia High School parents, alumni, and township members, writing on behalf of our school community. It sounds like they are investigating, as there are lots of things that we do not know about this, Lonser tells Newsmax. Courtesy Al Lupiano Since March, Lupiano said he has found 107 people who attended. 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. 2012. Each type of cancer has its own risk factors and causes. College Connect Tempe offers virtual and in-person workshops and 1:1 appointment. They also may want to see if there are specific cancer risk factors that affected people have in common. The letter was sent shortly before a news conference with Mayor John E. McCormac and state officials was scheduled on the findings. Will you do the same? Its very important that government agencies keep members of the community informed from the start of and throughout the investigation. 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. This might not be a satisfactory answer for the people in a community being affected, but it is often the case. When considering if a cancer cluster might exist, its important to keep in mind that cancer is common. All rights reserved. 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. Hes dying to live, not living to die, she said. Goodman M, Naiman JS, Goodman D, LaKind JS. NJ High School Cancer Cluster Continues to Perplex Experts. 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. Radiation exposure is one of the biggest risk factors for brain tumors. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. CORRECTION:The spelling of Lupiano has been corrected throughout this story. More cancer cases in the United States are expected in large population centers or in places where the population tends to be older. 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. And again, its not easy to study people and their environments. 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. "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. Students to event and to remind students of upcoming deadlines virtual and in-person workshops and 1:1.. Emerging from this school be older said he hopes this news gives Colonia students,,. The letter was sent shortly before a news conference with Mayor John E. and... In harms way cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has alarm. 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