Ladera Ranch families seek answers after multiple Ewing sarcoma cases
Residents of Ladera Ranch report five recent diagnoses of the rare cancer Ewing sarcoma and are urging local officials to investigate possible environmental factors.
Several families in the Southern California community of Ladera Ranch have reported a cluster of Ewing sarcoma cases among children, prompting calls for a review of local pesticide use.
Megan Matteson said her son Brody, who died at age 17, was diagnosed with the disease after experiencing back pain shortly before his 15th birthday. She noted that the tumor was located on his spine, limiting surgical options.
Since Brody's diagnosis, Matteson says she has been contacted by five other families whose children have received the same diagnosis, a rate that appears higher than the national average of 200 to 240 new cases per year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Attorney Jackie French said the families suspect a link to pesticide exposure, noting that research has suggested a possible association but no direct causation has been established.
At a recent homeowners-association meeting, residents asked officials to consider an integrated pest-management plan that would reduce synthetic pesticide use.
Orange County health officials said an initial review of cancer data did not reveal a clear pattern, but a more detailed analysis will be conducted in the coming weeks in response to community concerns.
The Ladera Ranch homeowners association has not responded to requests for comment.