2010 Cancer Concerns in Carlsbad

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Group of cancer cells
In 2010, Carlsbad residents raised concerns about cancer rates in the community. The County of San Diego worked with the California Cancer Registry and environmental experts to monitor and conduct studies to address these concerns and keep residents informed and safe.
 
  • Findings showed malignant melanoma (skin cancer) rates to be a little higher than expected, but this is common in other coastal (beach) areas. Other cancer types remained within normal ranges.
  • Air and soil testing near schools showed only trace chemicals at levels far below levels that could harm people. 

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Updates

Cancer Data Review

  • The California Cancer Registry analyzed local cancer cases in the area and found no unusual patterns, except for melanoma (skin cancer), which is common near the coast.
  • The California Cancer Registry completed the analysis of childhood cancer in the Carlsbad area on July 16, 2010. This data included all new cancer cases among children reported to the California Cancer Registry for the Carlsbad area during the years 1996 through 2008. There was no excess of new cancer cases observed among children in Carlsbad during this time period.

Air Quality Testing

  • Testing at Kelly Elementary found very low levels of chemicals (volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and trace methyl bromide) in the air, below levels that could harm people.

Soil Testing

  • Samples from school grounds and nearby areas showed no harmful contamination.

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Communications

Reports

California Health Alert Network (CAHAN) San Diego

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Timeline Updates
  • September 3, 2010: The San Diego Air Pollution Control District completed the outdoor air sampling for Kelly Elementary School.
  • July 16, 2010: The California Cancer Registry completed the analysis of childhood cancer in the Carlsbad area as requested by community members. This data included all new cancer cases among children reported to the California Cancer Registry for the Carlsbad area during the years 1996 through 2008. 
  • July 2, 2010: The second Carlsbad Community Forum to address cancer concerns was held on Monday, June 28, 2010. 
  • June 28, 2010: Action Items from the June 28 Community Forum 
  • May 28, 2010: Provided a new Individual Case Submission Form for residents who wished to submit information so their cases could be verified with the data from the California Cancer Registry.
  • May 21, 2010: County Public Health set up a system to facilitate case reporting by the community. County Public Health asked the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program to review the incidence of birth defects for the Carlsbad community.
  • May 14, 2010: The Community Task Force met this past week for the first time.
  • May 7, 2010: The Community Task Force was formed. The goals were:
    • Collection of additional case data so that the County can forward these data back to the California Cancer Registry for analysis, and
    • Assist the County in planning the next steps to address community concerns.

Call the Epidemiology Unit at (619) 692-8499, or send an e-mail, for more information.