THE ACREAGE, FL – State Representative Carl Domino joined NewsChannel 5 to talk one-on-one about the concern over brain tumors in The Acreage.
There’s reason for concern, but there's no ability now to make any definitive statement whether there's a cluster or not," Representative Domino says.
The State Department of Health is in its initial investigation. It is looking at the types of tumors, gender and age of the people.
Rep. Domino says, "This is not being ignored."
One woman’s concern started the investigation. Representative Domino says he’s met with Department of Health and this case is a top priority.
The first three cases reported are all children who live within a couple of miles.
Rep. Domino says, "Any parent is going to be concerned when hearing there's as many people affected by a tumor or cancer in a relatively small geography."
NewsChannel 5 was inundated with people saying they, their child or loved one was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Rep. Domino says, "I'd be anxious too, I have young kids."
NewsChannel 5 plotted thirty-two of the cases to see where they’re located. They are children and adults diagnosed within the past eight years. NewsChannel 5 with Dr. Paul Fisher who is connected to the National Brain Tumor Society. He works at the Stanford School of Medicine in California.
Question: “In a population of 55-thousand to 60-thousand how many cases would you expect in a year.”
Dr. Paul Fischer, Chief of Child Neurology at Stanford, says. “Great question. You might typically see three, four, five in a year. However there is going to be variation in numbers." “Probably five to fifteen percent because of the chance to have numbers fall higher or lower.”
Senator Nelson has called for the EPA and CDC to step-in. The Florida Health Department’s initial investigation is expected to be completed by early August.
Rep. Domino says, "If you feel a reason to be concerned, go see your doctor."
He says the State Health Department is requested to investigate six to ten possible clusters (of various diagnoses) a year.
So far, the department has received twenty-five forms from people asking to be part of the study involving The Acreage.
US Senator Bill Nelson will meet with residents of The Acreage at Palms West Hospital Wednesday.
More details will be released Tuesday.
