Acreage Investigation

The Florida Department of Health has determined that further review of the data related to the possible cancer cluster in the Acreage is needed and is elevating the investigation to the next level.

Palm Beach County Health Department Director, Dr. Alina Alonso has said, “We are very concerned for the families who have been affected by cancer in this area and are elevating the investigation to the next level. I can assure you that the Health Department is continuing to assist with this investigation and I hope we can find some answers for the families living in that area.”

The investigation moves into the second level.

The initial report showed increased rates of total cancers particularly for the years 2000-2007. Females, particularly children, experienced an increased rate of brain cancers during this period. Highest rates of brain cancers were seen in 2005-2007. The most accurate population numbers for this area by age groups are from the 2000 census. It is well known that the population has grown in recent years. Some of the increases in rates of total cancers and brain cancers in the Acreage may simply be a result of the population growth.

Level II will focus on the following:

• Recalculate cancer rates using more recent population counts.
  
• Verify if any particular type of brain cancer is more common than expected.
  
• Look at residence history and other risk factors of pediatric brain cancer causes through interviews.
  
• Continue to coordinate efforts with Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

SHARON WATKINS, Ph.D.
Senior Environmental Epidemiologist

EXPLAINS MEANING OF RECALCULATED POPULATION IN LEVEL II
updated 02/03/2010

Yes the findings support that a cluster has been identified. A cluster is simply an elevation (statistically significant) in a specific disease in a specific area in a defined time period. It does not mean or imply that this elevation is related to one particular cause or that it must be linked to a contaminant. I think that people automatically assume that any increase in cancer must be linked to an environmental cause and that is not always true nor can it be proven. We have tried to emphasize that brain cancers are a grouping of diseases (many specific types and specific diagnoses) and that it is unlikely that all types of pediatric brain cancers have exactly the same risk factors. Although brain cancers are not common in adults it is one of the top four most common pediatric cancer diagnoses in children. Although the numbers do show a statistically elevated rate of pediatric brain cancers particularly among female children, these children did not all have the exact same type of brain cancer. Pediatric brain cancers are thought to be on the rise both nationally and internationally and specialists are involved in looking at this increase from the perspective of very large numbers of children over time.



I think the phrase 'cancer cluster' produces great anxiety and I hope that this explanation helps. Environmental sampling to date (results that I am aware of) do not show any widespread environmental contaminant in your area. In response to your follow-up question of whether you should move I would say that there are many areas of the state and of the US that have issues with proximity to contaminated waste sites, natural arsenic in drinking water, indoor radon, poor air quality, noise pollution, higher background levels of radiation due to higher elevation, etc. As part of being a homeowner and parent I would test my well on a regular basis, consider testing for indoor radon, use pesticides and chemicals according to label and with precautions, install CO monitors, and all the other choices and action steps we do to keep our families safe. There is simply no way I can advise you as a parent on changes in your risks associated with pediatric brain cancer in moving from one location to another.

Sharon Watkins, Ph.D.
Senior Environmental Epidemiologist
Florida Department of Health

 

• CDC Acreage Cancer Letter  24kb
• Acreage SIR Recalculation Population Estimate Methods and Results
• CDC REVIEWED DOH POPULATION RECALCULATION PEDIATRIC BRAIN AND CNS CANCERS REMAIN ELEVATED
• INTERIM UPDATE PHASE II ACREAGE STUDY FEBRUARY 9, 2010 SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
   

 

This website will be updated regularly by the Palm Beach County Health Department.

The link below will take you to the complete report on the Level 1 cancer review.

Review

• DOH & DEP ANNOUNCE INITIAL FINDINGS IN CANCER REVIEW INVESTIGATION FOR THE ACREAGE COMMUNITY
• Acreage Cancer Cluster Review    08/28/2009

CANCER INFORMATION FOR YOUR REVIEW

• Well water testing labs
• Radium Fact Sheet
• FAQs regarding the Acreage cancer cluster investigation
• Understanding Cancer
• www.theacreagecancerstudy.com
• Palm Beach Post
• www.cancer.gov
• www.cdc.gov - Q & A
• www.doh.state.fl.us
• www.doh.state.fl.us pdf
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Acreage investigation
• Palm Beach County Commissioners - Video Links
• Post on Politics