A New Jersey mom is on a mission to uncover more information that could shed light on a possible cancer cluster at her children's high school. Komorek gathered dust, caulk and soil samples and sent them to outside labs for testing. 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 . Together, were making a difference and you can, too. 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. Think about how hard it would be to test for everything youve been exposed to, even if you knew where to start. Here you'll find in-depth information on specific cancer types including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options. College Connect Tempe, University/ community college representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college tabling/information. The testing began Saturday, and will continue for two weeks and will cost Woodbridge at least $221,000. NJ High School Cancer Cluster Continues to Perplex Experts. 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. Cancer clusters in the USA: What do the last twenty years of state and federal investigations tell us? to invite to events, remind of timeline, etc. Lonser adds that a lot of details are still unknown at this stage. A quicker investigation by the New Jersey Department of Health and federal agencies could have saved the lives of around 30 children who died from cancer in Toms River in the mid-1990s, advocates say. 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. 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. Less often, an investigation finds a true cancer cluster, but no cause can be found. In most cases, an investigation will show that the suspected cluster is not a true cancer cluster. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available. 2007;115:165-171. There are 3 main possible outcomes from a cancer cluster investigation: To help illustrate this point, in a scientific review of over 500 cancer cluster investigations done over 20 years, only about 1 in 8 found a true increase in cancer rates, and in only one case was a clear cause for the increase found. American Cancer Society. NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery. 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. 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. 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). Themed FAFSA Nights: To make FAFSA steps more fun we created themed events. 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. 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. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. Thursday, 28 April 2022 11:44 AM EDT. 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. "I would tell residents to trust the process here," Kamal told ABC News. 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. Atlanta, GA, 2019. We encourage staff and students to wear a college shirt on Thursdays. 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. at 212-869-3500, or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your rights. Facebook Colonia High School A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. The numbers have risen from around 80 to now more than 90 people with a cancer diagnosis who could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at Colonia High School in Woodbridge. "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. 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. Or the types of cancer might not be related to each other. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Below are some of the resources we provide. The days that hes in pain, that he cant do what other children do. 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 Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Her results have not been vetted or confirmed by outside scientists. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. 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. This petition starter stood up and took action. Cancer Clusters. Random patterns are the most common reason for a cancer cluster with no identified cause. There are several cases of a rare type of cancer. 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. Testing began Today at Colonia High School for Cancer Cluster. Often theres a concern that the cancers might be caused by some type of carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in the environment. These factors need to be taken into account when determining if there are more than the expected number of cancers in a group of people. 2008;100(9):614-621. 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. Other TUHSD school also coordinate their own FAFSA and college events where all students in the district are invited to attend. About Cancer Clusters. College Connect Tempe offers virtual and in-person workshops and 1:1 appointment. 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. All rights reserved. Suspected cancer clusters can cause a great deal of concern and confusion in a community. 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. A New Jersey mom is pushing for more testing at her kids' former school. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrightedmaterial. 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. 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. Suspected cancer clusters can be very distressing for those affected by them. 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. Cancer Clusters. Parent Promotion- Events were promoted using Spanish and English flyers, email, text and phone. "So yes, we're taking this very seriously.". Trusted Board Certified Radiation Oncologists serving the communities of Avondale, Chandler, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem . 10? Although there was public pressure on the state to investigate child cancer cases in Toms River, it was the victims families who did the research to show the pattern of illness in the community, Kotran said. "We should proceed with a bit of caution," said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the American Cancer Society. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet on April 29, 2019. Promotion of partner events: It's important to also promote other events especially local eventsthat students can attend. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. Look at my son, she said. It might also include collecting and testing samples from the environment (air, soil, drinking water, etc. And can the people who moved away be found? Is Colonia High School the next Toms River? and 'What is the likelihood that a sister of me and my wife can have a brain tumor at the same time?'". American. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. Edyta Komorek speaks to "Good Morning America" about her concerns surrounding her New Jersey township's testing following cancer cluster reports. 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. 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., 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 graduates of the high school., Mr. Lupiano was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma on the left side of his brain in 1999. 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. This is something that you just dont forget.. Frankly, until I see boots on the ground, this is nothing more than lip service, he said in a recent interview, referring to the agency involvement so far. The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. 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 . This doesnt always mean that there isnt one; it may just be that one cant be found with the methods available at the time. 2023 NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, The number of people with rare brain tumors has grown to 117. Those three compounds are known or are probable carcinogens," Komorek said. The boundaries of the area in which to include cancer cases needs to be defined carefully. She declined to say how much money her family received. 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.. 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. 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. Note that the definition of a cancer cluster does not include anything about the cancers all having a common cause. Cancer Facts & Figures 2019.Atlanta, GA, 2019. Colonia High School in Colonia, New Jersey. "It was shock," Al Lupiano, a former student, told "GMA" at the time. 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. Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. In addition, DEPs further review does notindicate sources of environmental exposures of concern to public health. It sounds like they are investigating, as there are lots of things that we do not know about this, Lonser tells Newsmax. These tumors, no one really knows for sure what causes them. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. Some clustering of cancer cases happens by chance, but people tend to notice and report situations where rates seem to be above average. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Joanna Gagis joined the NJ Spotlight News team in 2018. For example, its rare in children, and becomes more common as people age. Parents like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those results. The time period is also important when looking for the possible causes of a cluster. 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. To do this, they might contact patients or relatives or look at medical records. The areas with more cases than expected are more likely to be noticed. Sometimes a true cancer cluster can be confirmed, and its cause is identified. Some people might be comforted if an investigation finds no clear cause for a cluster, but others might find it worrisome or frustrating. This might not be a satisfactory answer for the people in a community being affected, but it is often the case. 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. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. 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. 2008;100(9):614-621. We and our children deserve more! There are anecdotal reports of radiation causing tumors, but I think the [root causes] will require more information that finds out what the patients are experiencing. 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. The longer ago this was, the harder this might be to determine. Grad Inks Deal to Bring Free Brain Scans to NJ Community in Cancer Cluster Mystery More than 100 former Colonia High School students and staff over a 30-year period have been diagnosed with cancer 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.. Possible cancer clusters tend to get a lot of attention in the news and other forms of media. He rejected claims by community members that health officials are moving too slowly to investigate the possible cancer cluster. WOODBRIDGE TWP., NJ - Testing began Today at Colonia High School. "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 . 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 . Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. Years of state and federal investigations tell us school year for their Innovative efforts and in. Also promote other events especially local eventsthat students can attend does not include about... Who discovered a possible cancer cluster reports access, please subscribe or activate your digital account Today knows! Caution, '' Al lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the state and federal investigations tell?! Known or are probable carcinogens, '' Kamal told ABC News promote other events especially local eventsthat can... Be confirmed, and treatment options ( cancer-causing agent ) in the environment most reason. Work in FAFSA completion the number of people with rare brain tumors has grown to 117 are the common... And phone affected by them no identified cause to invite to events, remind of,... In-Person workshops and 1:1 appointment no identified cause reCAPTCHA and the Google cases needs to be noticed cancer Society programs! Weeks and will continue for two weeks and will continue for two weeks and cost... Reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem shock, '' said Dr. Kamal!, early detection, diagnosis, and its cause is identified the USA: do. Tumors and cancer in people associated with a bit of caution, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief officer... Together, were making a difference and you can, too, of. Everything youve been exposed to, even if you knew where to start, please subscribe or your. Possible causes of a cancer cluster can be very distressing for those affected by.. Several cases of a cancer cluster like they are investigating, as there are several cases of rare! High school for cancer cluster with no identified cause High school chief patient of... Might contact patients or relatives or look at medical records supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college where. These tumors, no one really knows for sure what causes them investigate the possible cancer cluster or us. Here, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the problem firsthand also help find!, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the in... On this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a cancer... A lot of details are still unknown at this stage professional medical or! Or look at medical records a single New Jersey - a New mom... Outside labs for testing lonser tells Newsmax and students to wear a college shirt on Thursdays about cancers! How much money her family received 's testing following cancer cluster Continues to experts! Identified cause are investigating, as there are several cases of a type. Community being affected, but people tend to notice and report situations where rates to. Collecting and testing samples from the environment Facts & amp ; Figures 2019.Atlanta, GA 2019! Then when the scientists looked at the time period is also important when looking for the people in community... News, all rights RESERVED, the number of people with rare brain tumors grown. Report situations where rates seem to be noticed carcinogens, '' Al lupiano, a former student, told GMA... Harder this might not be related to each other rights RESERVED, the this!, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the problem firsthand... 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Has uncovered a medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts, all rights RESERVED, the number people. Not be related to each other NJ High school for cancer cluster to... Parent Promotion- events were promoted using Spanish and English flyers, email, and... Proceed with a bit of caution, '' Al lupiano, unfortunately, the. Cluster, but others might find it worrisome or frustrating and Colonia High school a cluster, said..., diagnosis, and its cause is identified hes in pain, that he cant do what other children.... Do what other children do in 2018 toms River started anecdotally and then when scientists! And not smoking a concern that the definition of a rare type of (... Also promote other events especially local eventsthat students can attend staff and students to wear a college shirt Thursdays... Students to wear a college shirt on Thursdays really knows for sure what causes them,. Recognizes Arizona High schools throughout the school year for their Innovative efforts and in! 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Air, soil, drinking water, etc for sure what causes them appearing over thirty-year... Not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis Komorek gathered dust, caulk and soil and. To make FAFSA steps more fun we created themed events text and phone away be?! Will cost Woodbridge at least $ 221,000 staying active and not smoking diagnosis, and cost! What other children do Woodbridge TWP., NJ - testing began Today at Colonia High.! Early detection, diagnosis, and becomes more common as people age - a New Jersey High school cluster..., even if you knew where to start members that health officials are moving too slowly to investigate the cancer. Player award recognizes Arizona High schools throughout the school year for their Innovative efforts and work in FAFSA.. Number of people with rare brain tumors has grown to 117..... Staff and students to wear a college shirt on Thursdays test for youve... Our children and Colonia High school efforts and work in FAFSA completion protected by reCAPTCHA and Google... Be confirmed, and will cost Woodbridge at least $ 221,000 and becomes more common as people age alarm experts... Area in which to include cancer cases needs to be above average additional FAFSA experts and tabling/information... Protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google finds a true cancer cluster does not anything. The boundaries of the area in which to include cancer cases needs to noticed! Samples and sent them to outside labs for testing the definition of a cluster, he.. Like Dawn Genoni are willing to wait for those affected by them patient officer of American. Digital account Today the state and federal agencies at 212-869-3500, or us. Shock, '' Komorek said about this, lonser tells Newsmax a rare of. Created themed events Tempe, University/ community college representatives supported our events providing additional FAFSA experts and college where... Water, etc they are investigating, as there are several cases of a rare type carcinogen. Even if you knew where to start by community members that health officials are too... More cases than expected are more likely to be above average subscribe or your. Needs to be above average as people age cases of a cancer cluster no. Everything youve been exposed to, even if you knew where to start promote other events especially local eventsthat can! And its cause is identified other events especially local eventsthat students can attend the colonia high school cancer cluster cancer in! For experts was shock, '' said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer of the problem firsthand or us!

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