Perth County - The Perth District Health Unit is completing personal interviews in the cancer cluster investigation it began in October 2010. Over the past two months, the Health Unit has been interviewing individuals who were diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma when they were aged 15 to 19 (dating back to 1986) and their families.
“First I want to thank the families who have participated in our investigation thus far,” says Miriam Klassen, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “We appreciate you sharing your personal stories with us. My thoughts are also with those who are still fighting this disease.”
Update
Interviews have been conducted with eight families. This number represents almost half of the known cases of Hodgkin Lymphoma in Perth County youth aged 15 to 19 dating back to 1986. “Given the small numbers we are dealing with and that participation in the investigation is voluntary, the Health Unit and partner agencies feel that this is a good response rate and will give us valuable information,” explains Dr. Klassen.
The next step is to input the information gathered at these interviews into a database. The data will then be analyzed and published in a Report, which will be available to the public. The target date for completing the Report is the end of June 2011.
“It’s important to understand that the vast majority of cancer cluster investigations do not lead to a definitive outcome,” explains Dr. Klassen. “While it is too soon to discuss any findings, at a minimum, the information we are collecting will contribute to the existing body of science surrounding cancer clusters and Hodgkin Lymphoma in teenagers.”
The cause of a cancer cluster is often difficult to prove because:
- Not all cancers are related even if they appear to be
- Cancers have a long latency period (cancer takes a long time to develop, so it is difficult to trace back to possible causes)
- Clusters can occur naturally by chance
- Many cancers are multi-factorial, which means there are likely several contributing factors
In addition, when the numbers of cancer cases are small, such as in this investigation, it can be difficult to draw firm conclusions. That is why larger studies, such as the Ontario Health Study currently being conducted, are important. If anyone is interested in more information about the Ontario Health Study or participating, go to https://ontariohealthstudy.ca/
More Interviews
The Health Unit is still interested in interviewing any individuals who:
- were diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma since the year 1986
- were 15-19 years old when diagnosed
- lived in Perth County at the time of diagnosis
If you meet this criteria and would like to participate in the investigation, please contact the Health Unit by Monday, February 28, 2011 by calling Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 and toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.
Background
The Cancer Cluster Investigation was started after learning that the rates of Hodgkin Lymphoma in Perth County teenagers appear to be higher than the provincial average from 1985 to 2006.
A cluster investigation involves reviewing an unexpected number – real or perceived – of health events grouped together in time and location to explore possible causes and environmental factors.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)?
Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the immune system. The cause of Hodgkin Lymphoma is not fully understood, but one specific virus (Epstein-Barr Virus), genetic factors and environmental factors have been identified as possible causes. Hodgkin Lymphoma is not contagious.
Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes (that do not hurt) in the neck, underarms, or groin
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Fever that does not go away
- Soaking night sweats
- Itchy skin
- Coughing, trouble breathing, or chest pain
- Weakness and tiredness that don't go away
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Anyone with symptoms that last more than two weeks should see a doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated.
For more information about the investigation, call Health Line at 519-271-7600 ext 267 or toll-free at 1-877-271-7348 ext 267.
Media Contact:
Rebecca Hill, Communications Manager
519-271-7600 ext 279
rhill@pdhu.on.ca