"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 . However, Kamal said, it's appropriate for authorities to thoroughly investigate higher-than-expected rates of brain tumors in a community. 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. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. The boundaries of the area in which to include cancer cases needs to be defined carefully. The longer ago this was, the harder this might be to determine. 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. Courtesy Al Lupiano Since March, Lupiano said he has found 107 people who attended. Despite the number of cases, officials first have to find if there is indeed a connection between the school grounds and the brain tumors. 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. It sounds like they are investigating, as there are lots of things that we do not know about this, Lonser tells Newsmax. 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. 2023 NewsmaxHealth. Edyta Komorek speaks to "Good Morning America" about her concerns surrounding her New Jersey township's testing following cancer cluster reports. It might also include collecting and testing samples from the environment (air, soil, drinking water, etc. Theyll need to make sure that the cases are cancer and that they know the specific diagnosis. Of course, its also possible for cancer clusters to occur in communities as well. ABC News' Dr. Joy Liu contributed to this report. It goes on to say that we anticipate receiving results from the comprehensive testing by the end of May. Finding the one exposure that could be the cause can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Al Lupiano first sent public nearly two months ago about concerns of a cancer cluster related to Colonia High School. 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. 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). 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). About 1,000 suspected cancer clusters are reported to state health departments each year. Themed FAFSA Nights: To make FAFSA steps more fun we created themed events. Rarely, an investigation finds a cancer cluster where the cause can be determined. Even if statistics show that it may be a true cluster, its important to know that its very rare that a cause is found. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About half of the cases had been determined to be cancerous. Investigating suspected cancer clusters and responding to community concerns: Guidelines from CDC and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. 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. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. Many in the community have been on edge for months following reports of an alleged cancer cluster possibly linked to the school. Testing began Today at Colonia High School for Cancer Cluster. 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. 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. CORRECTION:The spelling of Lupiano has been corrected throughout this story. 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. He and his wife, both Colonia High School graduates, were diagnosed with benign brain tumors over a span of twenty years. To report that your child will be absent or late, call the Attendance Hotline: (732) 726-7040 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. Was it a single event or has it been ongoing? Her results have not been vetted or confirmed by outside scientists. Why hasnt the data he collected been requested and reviewed? 100 PEOPLE WITH RARE TUMORS WHO ATTENDED SAME NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL DEMAND ANSWERS The 110 people that Lupiano has counted on his list of former Colonia High School graduates have been. The counselors, teaching staff and volunteers at THS go above and beyond to meet students and families where they are at. Unfortunately, this is not a common outcome of cancer cluster investigations. It is not enough to address parents of operating school with suspected cancer cluster through written statements given to media outlets. 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). All rights reserved. Support our nonprofit newsroom. 20? 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. 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. They should at least do an initial investigation.. To do this, they might contact patients or relatives or look at medical records. Is Colonia High School the next Toms River? "I think that air testing should be done immediately to determine whether or not there are hazardous levels of those chemicals in the indoor air," Komorek said. 2012;42(6):474-490. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/cancer-clusters-fact-sheet on April 29, 2019. She declined to say how much money her family received. Over 122 people connected to Colonia High School were found to have brain tumors. The Woodbridge town council approved two emergency resolutions earlier this week to begin radiological assessments at the high school, after resident Al Lupiano alerted . That approach, he said, led to the identification of a chemical that no one had ever heard of as the cause of many cancer cases in Toms River. Testing paid for by Woodbridge is now well underway, as an increasingly large affected community waits and hopes for answers. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the High School. The number of patients affected in a localized area are higher than what we would expect. Parent Promotion- Events were promoted using Spanish and English flyers, email, text and phone. 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. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available. 2008;100(9):614-621. The Innovative Player award recognizes Arizona high schools throughout the school year for their innovative efforts and work in FAFSA completion. NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery. The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. 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. Should it include only the local neighborhood where most of the cases were found? But each case began with anecdotal reports of unusually high rates of cancer, and with what community leaders say was then, and is now, a slow response by state and federal health authorities. 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. Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases. National Center for Environmental Health, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia. Random patterns are the most common reason for a cancer cluster with no identified cause. We and our children deserve more! 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. Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. People concerned about a possible cancer cluster can report it to a local or state health department. We are concerned Colonia High School parents, alumni, and township members, writing on behalf of our school community. Why has no one attempted to contact the individual who brought the potential cancer cluster to light? Look at my son, she said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Robert Miller The investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once connected to the. For example: McClintocks Dia de los Muertos FAFSA event was promoted to our students at Tempe High as well. 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. 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. Accessed at www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/faq.htm on April 29, 2019. We couldnt do what we do without our volunteers and donors. While both the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Environmental Protection Agency are expressing concern, theyre waiting for the testing to be complete. Each type of cancer has its own risk factors and causes. 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. An update on cancer cluster activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. 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. and 'What is the likelihood that a sister of me and my wife can have a brain tumor at the same time?'". 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. State, federal health agencies wait for Woodbridge radiation tests, Case count rises in Colonia High School cancer mystery. "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. A part of the campus is named for Pat Barbato - a longtime football coach . Often theres a concern that the cancers might be caused by some type of carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in the environment. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atlanta, GA, 2019. Cancer mystery at NJ school More than 100 people who graduated from Colonia High School have developed brain cancer. Based on this, most suspected clusters can be determined not to be true clusters, and no further investigation is needed. 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.. At that point, steps can be taken to address it. 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. Lupiano's sister, also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. 2014;11(2):1479-1499. When childrens health and lives are at stake, we have a right to demand your full attention and transparency. 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. Help us end cancer as we know it,for everyone. 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.. 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. Toms River started anecdotally and then when the scientists looked at the numbers they found a cluster, he said. 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. This is why the links between cancer and many cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) are often first found in studies of workers. This is discussed in more detail later on. This should include giving people a realistic idea of what may or may not be found. Scientists in the health department might also look at reports in the medical literature to see if other clusters like this have been noted in the past. [This is] important to investigate as numbers do seem high. 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. "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. But in many cases, even when it seems there is a cluster, a single cause cant be found. Lupiano's sister, a Colonia High School graduate, died with a malignant brain tumor in February and both he and his wife, who also is a Colonia High School grad, developed brain tumors. But Komorek remains unconvinced, believing there could be other possible causes. 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. 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. 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.. Stay with MyCentralJersey.com for updates. His wife, a member of the class of 1999, was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor in 2021 on the same day as Mr. Lupianos sister, Angela, who also graduated from the high school., After Angela passed away, Mr. Lupiano vowed to get answers as to what was making this community ill., Since then, at least 100 graduates from the classes of 1972 through 2000 have come forward with information regarding their extremely rare malignant brain tumors, including glioblastomas, and inexplicable cancer diagnoses.. 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. Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox. You would find that some of the circles would contain more cancers than expected, and some would have fewer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The brain tumor cases, appearing over a thirty-year period, are a significant medical mystery that has caused alarm for experts. 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. All rights reserved. Suppose a group of people live in a community that has a higher than expected number of cases of a certain type of cancer. 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. American. The type(s) of cancer seen is also important. An alum of Colonia High School in Woodbridge is raising the alarm over a possible cancer cluster among the school's graduates. Some clustering of cancer cases happens by chance, but people tend to notice and report situations where rates seem to be above average. Find Us . Suspected cancer clusters can cause a great deal of concern and confusion in a community. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Regardless of what the radon analysis and radiological survey reveals, air, water, and soil sampling must be conducted right away. 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 . I worry that theyre only talking about the ones they know about. 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. Al Lupiano, a graduate of the high school, believes there's a link between the school and brain tumors diagnosed in 108 people over a period of three decades, ending in the early 2000s. 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). 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. allegations the school had radiological hazards that may have contributed to diagnoses of brain tumors, cancers and other central nervous disorders in former students and staff members, 'It can't be a coincidence': Colonia High School community probes mysterious cancer cases, Location sought for brain scans in wake of alleged cancer cluster tied to Colonia High School, Colonia High School cancer probe catches NJ Department of Health attention, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It draws our attention because this story is not usual and theres a part of me, and others, who want to help drill down what is causing this.. 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. Workplace exposures may be more likely to cause cancer because the level of exposure can be higher and might last longer than in other settings. And again, its not easy to study people and their environments. Lupiano, unfortunately, knows the effects of the problem firsthand. @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). Cancer Cluster FAQ. Apr 07, 2022, 9:05pm Updated on Apr 08, . "I have full faith they will get to the bottom of this and they will figure out what is going on," Genoni said. 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. Gillick, 73, said the Toms River campaign led to a clean water supply thats closely monitored. 2012. 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 . Please reach out to Ilana Wolk, Esq. According to guidelines from the CDC, Was it 5 years ago? And can the people who moved away be found? Angela has four daughters who have or will go to Colonia High . Its just very difficult to get something like this off the ground. Cancer cluster investigations: Review of the past and proposals for the future. Cancer Clusters. ", 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. Trusted Board Certified Radiation Oncologists serving the communities of Avondale, Chandler, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem . 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. Kingsley BS, Schmeichel KL, Rubin CH. Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm Investigates Potential Cancer Cluster At Colonia High School. Social media- Instagram is used to promote events, scholarships, opportunities and to connect with students. Partnered with ABOR, Ask Benji, College Connect Tempe- Advisor called students and parents over Winter Break who had not completed FAFSA, shared importance of completing, offered 1:1 assistance to complete if applicable. "I said, 'What is the likelihood that a husband and wife can both have an acoustic neuroma?' Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. Some of the circles with more cases might be clusters that have a single cause, but most would be due to chance. Over 100 cases of brain tumors and other cancers have been discovered in former students of Colonia High School, constituting a cancer cluster according to Stanford's Dr. Paul Graham. A 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. More than 80 people with a cancer diagnosis could be tied to a suspected cancer cluster at the 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 Cancer Society. Lupiano is also the whistleblower who discovered a possible cancer cluster in graduates and educators from the high school. We insist on more action from the CDC, NJDOH and NJDEP. About Cancer Clusters. 2008;100(9):614-621. Suppose you took a map of the United States and started drawing random circles of different sizes in different locations. Research. Just how big should the bulls eye be? 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. 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. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. There are several cases of a rare type of cancer. 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. Fall Senior Class Presentations: Counselorsprovide students with access to new and important college going tools. Experts are now investigating whether there is a cancer cluster emerging from this school. But even so, for the most part, cancer cases in the United States are spread randomly across the country. "I would tell residents to trust the process here," Kamal told ABC News. Why havent any environmental and health official inspected the school to determine what environmental issues should be investigated at and around the school? "So yes, we're taking this very seriously.". 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.

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