To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. It goes on to say that we anticipate receiving results from the comprehensive testing by the end of May. It might also include collecting and testing samples from the environment (air, soil, drinking water, etc. Federal and state health agencies are waiting on the result of tests for radiation at Colonia High School in Woodbridge as officials look for causes of a suspected "cancer cluster" among former students and staff, the town's mayor said Monday. 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. Apr 07, 2022, 9:05pm Updated on Apr 08, . Kingsley BS, Schmeichel KL, Rubin CH. He has also lost the sight in one eye, and is hearing-impaired, but is smart and funny, with a strong will to live. Will you do the same? For a better-informed future. Personal phone calls were made by bilingual staff members at Tempe High School. Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. J Natl Cancer Inst. 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. 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. Why has no one attempted to contact the individual who brought the potential cancer cluster to light? About half of the cases had been determined to be cancerous. This is only one of many, many tests that can be performed. 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. Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institute of Environmental and Health Sciences (NIEHS), may also help investigate. Al Lupiano has found 107 people with primary brain tumors who all attended or worked at Colonia High School. Ultimately, if it isnt a radiation source that is causing these illnesses, Lupiano says other tests can be done to pinpoint a cause. Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. 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. 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. Please reach out to Ilana Wolk, Esq. Despite the number of cases, officials first have to find if there is indeed a connection between the school grounds and the brain tumors. American Cancer Society. 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. 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. More cancer cases in the United States are expected in large population centers or in places where the population tends to be older. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. 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. 2023 NewsmaxHealth. "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. Investigating suspected cancer clusters and responding to community concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Colonia High School 180 East Street Colonia, NJ 07067 Phone: 732-499-6500 Fax: 732-574-2575. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. "I have full faith they will get to the bottom of this and they will figure out what is going on," Genoni said. "One hundred out of 15,000 have brain cancer -- sure sounds like something we should be concerned about," Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac told News 4 New York. 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 . 2008;100(9):614-621. 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! TCE Causes Cancer; Have You Have Been Exposed? 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. 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). Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. Help us end cancer as we know it,for everyone. 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. 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. Atlanta, GA, 2019. 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. Below are some of the resources we provide. 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 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. "Clearly, there's enough here to move forward with additional testing by the EPA and others to really understand a bit more directly what's happening in the soil and the building materials around the school itself.". This petition starter stood up and took action. Some of your concerns might be relieved during the initial phone call. The longer ago this was, the harder this might be to determine. College Connect Tempe also enters all student attendees into a $1000 scholarship drawing for attending workshops acting as an incentive for students. Mark Cuker, an environmental attorney who represented the Toms River families, urged investigators at Colonia to consider all options, not just obvious possible causes, in seeking an explanation for the brain tumors. Robert Miller The investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once connected to the. 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. 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. We and our children deserve more! For example: McClintocks Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. Should it include only the local neighborhood where most of the cases were found? Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. 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). due to a cancer cluster of people who have worked, or attended school and are now diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. at 212-869-3500, or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your rights. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this . 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. 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. But even so, for the most part, cancer cases in the United States are spread randomly across the country. 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 . J Natl Cancer Inst. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High School cancer mystery. And what did the people with cancer have in common during that time? 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. 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. American. This is something that you just dont forget.. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. 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 . 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. 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. I think the story has gotten some pretty widespread coverage. 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. People may become concerned that theres a cancer cluster in their community if they believe there is a higher than normal number of cancers in the area. It sounds like they are investigating, as there are lots of things that we do not know about this, Lonser tells Newsmax. Regardless of what the radon analysis and radiological survey reveals, air, water, and soil sampling must be conducted right away. 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. Stay with MyCentralJersey.com for updates. The Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. Our College Advisors sent passes out to students and invitations for 1:1 and group events based on data gathered from AZ College Connect FAFSA dashboard (partial matches, incompletes, not started), data from ASU, U of A, NAU, and GCU admit reports (FAFSA status), GPA lists (who should do FAFSA to meet university priority deadlines such as UA Assurance and ASU Obama). These areas may have cases that may or may not be related to the others. 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. But Komorek remains unconvinced, believing there could be other possible causes. Community Partners- Partnerships and volunteers help make our events successful. Its just very difficult to get something like this off the ground. 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. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. 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. If you are concerned about a possible cancer cluster, contact your local or state health department. 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. Cancer Clusters. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency. Environ Health Perspect. 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. Scientists have a specific definition of a cancer cluster. There are several cases of a rare type of cancer. 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. Promotion of partner events: It's important to also promote other events especially local eventsthat students can attend. 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. 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. If theres a hundred, theres probably a heck of a lot more.. At that point, steps can be taken to address it. Even though Colonia may not yet meet the scientific definition of a cancer cluster, Cuker said that should not stop officials investigating what he called an astounding number of reported brain tumor cases. This should include giving people a realistic idea of what may or may not be found. 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. By Maxwell Newman |
Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. 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. Cancer Cluster FAQ. Studying cancer clusters allows scientists to identify areas of increased cancer risk, as well as to try to figure out what is causing the increase in risk. Sometimes a true cancer cluster can be confirmed, and its cause is identified. 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. Gillick, 73, said the Toms River campaign led to a clean water supply thats closely monitored. Colonia High School is now the. Our goal is to continue moving students through the college application process and to help students reach important scholarship deadlines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Massimino said he hopes this news gives Colonia students, families, staff members and the community an opportunity to breathe easier. 2023 www.mycentraljersey.com. Why havent any environmental and health official inspected the school to determine what environmental issues should be investigated at and around the school? Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/default.htm on April 29, 2019. In the Colonia case, state and federal agencies are waiting on the results of radiation tests by a private contractor who was hired by the township, said Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac. Weve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more and better treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients quality of life. Together, were making a difference and you can, too. Benowitz S. Busting cancer clusters: Realities often differ from perceptions. Based on this, most suspected clusters can be determined not to be true clusters, and no further investigation is needed. Or should it also include the larger community, or even nearby communities? Facebook Colonia High School A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. 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. Our children and Colonia High School staff deserve more involvement of the State and Federal agencies. They also may want to see if there are specific cancer risk factors that affected people have in common. WOODBRIDGE TWP., NJ - Testing began Today at Colonia High School. There can be several reasons for this. ), especially if there is concern about a specific type of exposure as a possible cause. Or the types of cancer might not be related to each other. Find Us . The areas with more cases than expected are more likely to be noticed. A New Jersey mom is pushing for more testing at her kids' former school. Some of the circles with more cases might be clusters that have a single cause, but most would be due to chance. Meanwhile, the City of Woodbridge is taking the lead in the investigation, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for testing at a school that graduated roughly 15,000 people over the last 30 years. What does it take to outsmart cancer? Its very important that government agencies keep members of the community informed from the start of and throughout the investigation. 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