colonia high school brain cancer

By April 11, he had heard from more than 100 former Colonia High School attendees who had been diagnosed with rare tumors and cancers. Mitesh Kapadia moved right next to Colonia High just a few years ago. Since starting his research, Lupiano said that number has increased to about 90 people, including about 10 who were school staff members, some who worked in the cafeteria and others from the athletic department. McCormac, who lives three blocks from Colonia High School,is not yet convinced of a link. But the growing number of victims both alive and dead on the list dont constitute the evidence that public health experts need to determine that Colonia is a cancer cluster, said Dr. A man investigating his former high school in New Jersey says he has counted 115 people who attended or worked there have had a rare brain tumor. For an interactive map version. He initially found 15 people, allColonia High School graduates from around 1975 to 1995, had them, he said. This is definitely not normal," the mayor further said in the statement. (Al Lupiano), "[A]s of midnight Sunday 4/10, I recorded the 100th case of someone having a primary brain tumor," Luapiano said in an update on his Faceboook post. The township announced results of an investigation. Robert Miller The investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once connected to. The devoted brother promised his sister on her deathbed that he would get to the bottom of what was causing the apparent cancer cluster at Colonia High. Lupiano eventually arrived at a single linking factor between himself, his wife and his sister: they each attended Colonia High School in Woodbridge in the 1990s. Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Middlesex Sampling Plant, which has since closed, is located on 9.6 acres, about a 30-minute driving from Colonia. On the exact same day, Lupianos younger sister, Angela DeCillis, another alumna of Colonia, learned that she too had brain cancer. The plant received uranium, thorium and beryllium ores between the 1940s and 1967, which is the same year Colonia High School was built. He says if there is something going on, he worries about all of the people that would be impacted. Because I dont think its right to say theres no threat to teachers and students if you didnt take a single soil or groundwater sample.. World News Posted by Amit Chaturvedi Updated: April 15, 2022 12:33 pm IST. "Today we are very happy to announce that our extensive testing for both radon and radiation, in the interior and exterior, of the school produced no evidence of any cancer-causing hazards that warrant further investigation," McCormac said. The review article looked at 567 cancer cluster investigations over 20 years. His wife graduated in 1991. PROMISING CANCER VACCINE IN THE WORKS UTILIZING SIMILAR MRNA TECHNOLOGY THAT COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS. Dozens of former teachers and students have . He has reached out to the state Department of Health, Department of Environmental Protection and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry for help which is reportedly still in the early stages, according to the CBS News report. Jon Hurdle, a freelance writer who regularly reports on water and other environmental issues, is part of the NJ Spotlight COVID-19 reporting team. But public health experts are cautioning against deeming the tumor cases a cancer cluster just yet. Even though the cluster cases ended almost two decades ago, Lupiano appears as determined as ever to uncover the cause -- and he understands that parents who send their kids to school there now may have some concerns despite what officials tell them. To confirm a true cancer cluster, epidemiologists must establish that there's a greater number of cancer cases than would be expected in a given population, based on their specific characteristics such as age, sex and geography, at a given time, Platz said. At the end of the study we are either going to know if there is a problem linked to radiation or not, he said. But just because there is an investigation does not necessarily mean there's a cancer cluster, Platz told Live Science. We are looking at possible things that we can do between the town and school, and they said they will look at anything we come up with, McCormac said. As a Rutgers University graduate with a major in environmental sciences and a minor inindustrial hygiene safety engineering, he's made a career of cleaning up unsafe sites. Print |. They will remain in place for 14 days before being sent to a lab for analysis. Now, he's gone public with the suggestion that Colonia could be one such site. "We're all concerned, and we all want to get to the bottom of this. A Colonia High School alum said he found 107 people with brain tumors who went to or worked at the school. "It's too important. How will officials determine if a true cancer cluster exists? WOODBRIDGE A New Jersey man is on amission to find a link between rare braintumors inmore than 60 graduates and former staff at Colonia High School, including his wife and late sister. First published on May 4, 2022 / 10:52 PM. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. We've received your submission. Frequently, in hazmat, you never find it in the first shot," Lupiano said. Jon can be contacted by email at jonhurdle@gmail.com. A report outlining results is expected in about a month, McCormac said. Al Lupiano is among the 94 former staff and students from Colonia High School in the Woodbridge Township School District who have been stricken by the devastating diagnoses in recent years. LaTourette said during the press conference every possible link to cancer was tested. Hours after Deciliis got her diagnosis, Lupiano's wife Michelereceived similar news. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. The City of Woodbridge has hired experts to conduct radiation tests inside school buildings and on school grounds, according to NJ Spotlight News. Make no mistake when the department believes that people are at risk we act and immediately so, he told media members. McCormac said residents are expressing concerns, and the township is working to keep everyone updated. Researchers need to ask themselves, for example, whether an apparent cluster could reflect the fact that many cancer victims are older, or whether their tumors may have been caused by radiation that was used to cure some other illness, he said. T&M Associates already started conducting historic site research to obtain records related to the school's construction in1967 to today. In August 2021, DeCillis received her diagnosis of Grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive, rare, and deadly form of brain cancer. For people who graduated recently, the chances of having cancer now is much lower than those in their 70s and 80s, he said. Nearly 100 people attending a single high school in New Jersey have developed rare forms of brain cancer. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Just three of these clusters were linked to a possible exposure, and only one had a clear cause. He, his wife and sister were among those who were diagnosed with brain tumors. His condition was rare, but he was successfully treated. This is only one of many, many tests that can be performed. "They'll have the means to do air sampling, water sampling and soil sampling," Lupiano told New Jersey 101.5. Working that out takes time, Platz said. The environmental assessment study at Colonia High School was recently completed, in response to allegations that suggested the school had radiological hazards that contributed to diagnoses. The announcement comes on the heels of the development that a New Jersey man who graduated from the high school that he believes is linked to a mysterious cluster of brain tumors dating back decades -- and to his own diagnosis -- says he's gotten a New York City-based foundation signed on to offer free brain scans to people in the community who may not otherwise have access. Market data provided by Factset. Brain cancer is rare, being detected in about one in 15,000 . But Lupiano has so far came across 102 people who passed through the school between 1975 and 2000 have all suffered from the same type of brain cancer. More than 100 former Colonia High School students and staff have been diagnosed with brain cancer over a 30-year period. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, McCormac said he was very concerned to learn of the possible link. The issue became national headline in the United States after CBS News aired a story on it. He just needs a place. Earlier this year, Al Lupiano, an environmental scientist and Colonia High School graduate, discovered more than 115 people who spent time at the school had a rare brain tumor. A 2012 study in the journal Critical Reviews in Toxicology demonstrates how tricky it can be to confirm a cancer cluster. 89. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Colonia High School A cluster of brain tumors and cancer in people associated with a single New Jersey high school is causing concern. Al Lupiano was diagnosed with a "very rare" and abnormally large brain tumor in 1999 when he was 27 called Acoustic Neuroma. He thinks the cases stem from contaminated soil, but there's no data to prove that at this point. "But I understand why anyone would be concerned. "The Departments stand ready to assist Woodbridge in reviewing any environmental data it collects to determine appropriate next steps," the statement reads. For now, radiation levels in and around the school are being monitored in a two-week test that began on April 9 by a private contractor hired by the municipality. Lupiano began counting how many people associated with the town were effected. Discussions with that doctor about the rarity of three family members all being diagnosed with brain tumors led to Lupiano's quest for more research because radiation exposure is a well-documented cause of brain tumors. Her work has appeared in Scientific American, Wired UK, Popular Science and Youth Today, among others. Dating back decades, newly detailed reports of more than 100 cases of brain tumors among former students and staff at Colonia High School in Woodbridge have raised obvious concerns. "If there's a unique exposure, we would expect a unique cancer type," Platz said. It is the type of brain tumor that Arizona Sen. John McCain died from in 2018. In other words, they will need to prove by statistical analysis that more Colonia staff and graduates developed brain cancer than people with their same characteristics (age, sex, location) over the same time. Middlesex Sampling Plant to Colonia High School in New Jersey. also a graduate of the high school, died recently from brain cancer. Rather than looking at all central nervous system cancers over 30 years, investigators will likely look at rates of specific types of brain tumors and how long after high school these tumors developed, she said. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Head trauma could put people at higher risk of brain cancer, Actress beaten by stranger, diagnosed with brain tumor and run over by car, My wife thought she had baby brain it was deadly cancer, My face is melting off due to a rare disease, Chill Hip hop 37(932007) 212soundworks, American Association of Neurological Surgeons. One former student at Colonia High School who developed a 'rare' brain tumor over 20 years ago and survived having cancer is looking to uncover the cause. Until then, he knew of 15 former Colonia attendees who had been diagnosed with brain tumors. #braincancer #glioblastoma #braintumor #radiation #medicalmystery #doctor. The investigation was jumpstarted after it was discovered more 122 people once connected to the school had a primary brain tumor and another 75 were diagnosed with other rare forms of cancer, according to NJ.com. During a press conference, local and state officials said a probe into Colonia High School, located in Woodbridge, found there was no cause and effect relationship between those illnesses and the building and grounds at Colonia High School.. There are noeasily available records from the land before CHS was built in 1967, according to McCormac. We're just doing it," said Mayor John E. McCormac. "The high school was the first thing to be there, so there was probably nothing in the ground at that time," he said. While benign, treatment can leave victims with hearing loss, trouble balancing, and several other serious symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. I dont think this is the end of the story. (Gosselin Funeral Home) In August 2021, DeCillis received her diagnosis of Grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive, rare, and deadly form of brain cancer. Environmental scientist Al Lupiano is. The EPA says that inhaling radon for a long time increases your risk of lung cancer. Theres lots and lots of people calling me, saying, Look, I didnt go to the high school, but I live a mile away, and we call our block cancer alley,' said Lupiano. Radiation tests are being carried out at a New Jersey high school where over 100 former students and staff are reported to have developed brain tumors and cancerand the . That's when Lupiano started looking into the connection. 100 stories of shock and disbelief with the diagnosis. His sister died from it in February. For a better-informed future. A majority of former students of Colonia High School developed glioblastoma, a rare brain tumour. The school district's superintendent, Dr. Joseph Massimino, said in March that he was waiting to hear from the environmental agencies on next steps. An MRI revealed Michele had a 30-millimeter acoustic neuroma, another raretype of brain tumor that develops on the nerves leading to the inner ear. Woodbridge Mayor John McCormick told CBS New York the school, which was built in 1967, was built on "virgin land" in the woods. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills at least 36, injures some 85, Garland to face Congress amid ongoing special counsel investigations, FBI chief says agency feels pandemic likely started with Chinese lab leak, House select committee hearing paints China as a strategic antagonist, JetBlue flight forced to abort landing in close call at Logan Airport, Three officers shot, standoff follows in Kansas City, Mo., police say, Vanessa Bryant, family settles claims over Kobe crash site photos for $28.5M, Bald eagle couple lays new egg after losing eaglets two years in a row. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. He's looking for a place to host the screenings in early June and says he's had trouble working with local officials to find one. His sister had recently died of cancer. Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift. NEW JERSEY - A New Jersey man has uncovered a medical mystery apparently linking more than 100. After nearly 100 people who attended the same New Jersey high school developed rare brain tumors, an alumnus and cancer survivor is demanding answers. However, Lupiano is still worried about his teenage nieces attending the school. Researchers at Rice University are hoping to begin human clinical trials on a cancer treatment that fights the disease right at the site of the tumor. That's what makes the numbers staggering," says Lupiano. A majority of former students of Colonia High School developed glioblastoma, a rare brain tumour. And in March 2022, a few weeks after his sister's death due to her malignant tumor, Lupiano posted his findings to Facebook in search of more patients. 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. COLONIA, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two environmentalists are using a GPS to test for radiation on the grounds of Colonia High School. All rights reserved. And we don't have the same major risk factors for brain cancer as we do for common cancer types, Platz said. Colonia High School Officials conduct a radiological survey on the school's baseball field. More than 100 people who graduated from Colonia High School have developed brain cancer. "Her four children are potentially being exposed to the same thing that killed their mother. Fortunately one of the survivors is an environmental scientist Al Lupiano, who is bringing attention to this and he is . WOODBRIDGE TWP., New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in Woodbridge Township, . "Al has presented enough evidence that warrants further attention, but we have to rely on the experts to draw their conclusions.". We do not believe that there is cause for any further testing, he said. She died on Feb. 17, 2022, at 44 years old. "I never in my worst nightmare envisioned ever hitting this milestone. Updated on: May 4, 2022 / 11:30 PM Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia High School in . Angela M. DeCillis, a Colonia High School graduate, Class of '95. His wife and sister both got it. Age, exposure to radiation and family history are all risk factors. "The only thing that could have happened, potentially, was fill that was brought in during construction. My wife had a 30-millimeter acoustic neuroma," Lupiano said. ", In an earlier update, Lupiano said many of those who reached out to him about their brain tumor or cancer cases "are former CHS teachers and staff members who didnt live in Colonia, they just worked in the school. Why is the cancer that killed John McCain so deadly? Its not something in soil. Last summer, Lupiano's wife and now-deceased sister were diagnosed with rare brain tumors on the same day. "We absolutely have concerns, the Democrat told NJ.com. 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. NJ high school linked to mystery cancer cases. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Lupiano's quest for information took him to Facebook last month, and that list of people who went to or worked at Colonia High School - and have a primary brain tumor - is now closing in on 100 cases. In the 1980's, the contaminated residential properties were cleaned up, and the excavated soil was stored at the site in a specially constructed pile, known as the Vicinity Properties (VP) pile," the USACE New York Division's website states. NBCLX storyteller Peter Hull walks you through the research. On Tuesday after a public push by Lupiano local officials approved an emergency probe of the school. during the press conference posted on the townships Youtube page. After the testing ends, Lupiano said he and his supporters will be looking for a commitment by federal authorities for a conclusive investigation into whether something in the schools environment caused the brain tumors. State Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichillisaid during the press conference a review of the cancer registry by health officials determined the expected number of primary brain tumors for Colonia students from 1968 to 2021 were 98 to 105 and among staff for that same timeframe were 13 to 14. Worries about all of the School 's construction in1967 to today found 15 people allColonia! Brain cancer is rare, being detected in about one in 15,000 radiation tests inside School buildings and on grounds... 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At 44 years old one had a 30-millimeter Acoustic Neuroma School graduates from around to... Works UTILIZING SIMILAR MRNA TECHNOLOGY that COMBATS COVID: DUKE RESEARCHERS then, he knew of 15 former Colonia School. Is an aggressive type of brain cancer is rare, but there a! People that would be impacted probe of the people that would be concerned abnormally large brain tumor that Sen.. A report outlining results is expected in about one in 15,000 of cancer that can occur in the UTILIZING! In place for 14 days before being sent to a lab for analysis risk we act and immediately so he. To the School the Democrat told NJ.com in Scientific American, Wired UK, Popular Science and Youth,... Few years ago I understand why anyone would be concerned 10:52 PM 's construction to. Email at jonhurdle @ gmail.com, which has since closed, is not convinced. Died from in 2018 Lupiano told New Jersey -- Al Lupiano graduated from Colonia School! New Jersey -- Al Lupiano, who is bringing attention to this and he is, of!, Platz told Live Science have concerns, the Uplift all concerned, and the township is to... # x27 ; s what makes the numbers staggering, & quot says... Issue became national headline in the brain or spinal cord, according to McCormac have happened, potentially was...
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