Rare cancers reported among children in Ladera Ranch, California, prompt health investigation
Health officials are investigating a cluster of rare cancers, including Ewing sarcoma, in the Orange County community of Ladera Ranch after about a dozen cases have been reported since 2013.
Health officials in California have opened an investigation into a cluster of rare cancers affecting children and young adults in the Ladera Ranch community of Orange County. Since 2013, roughly a dozen cases, including Ewing sarcoma and synovial sarcoma, have been identified in the suburb, prompting concerns from residents and local officials.
One of the most publicized cases involved 16-year-old Brody Matteson, who was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after experiencing persistent back pain. He underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, proton therapy and multiple surgeries, before dying in March 2026 from treatment complications. His family has called for greater transparency from health agencies.
Other families have reported similar diagnoses. In January, Brian Dalton’s 23-year-old daughter died of desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a rare cancer that shares a genetic marker with Ewing sarcoma. Residents have also noted frequent pesticide applications in the neighborhood, with some reporting hazmat-clad workers spraying chemicals without providing details about the substances used.
Ladera Ranch’s homeowners association has temporarily halted the use of several herbicides, including Specticle G, Lifeline and Atrimmec, while the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) conducts an environmental assessment. The agency aims to complete its review by the fall and determine whether any local environmental factors, such as pesticide exposure or nearby abandoned oil wells, may be linked to the cancer cases.
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley told CBS News that the region has recorded 35 cases of Ewing sarcoma as of 2021, but the incidence in Ladera Ranch appears disproportionately high compared with surrounding areas. The CDPH notes that investigations of unusual cancer patterns rarely identify a definitive cause, and previous reviews in Orange County were inconclusive.
Local officials and residents hope the ongoing study will provide answers and guide future safety measures. "Can we solve it? I don’t know," said Dustin Matteson, Brody’s father, adding that any clarity would be valuable for families facing similar challenges.