Study: No Elevated Cancer Levels in Cheshire

From the town of Cheshire:

A decade-long study has determined that Cheshire does not have elevated incidents of cancer.

Ten years ago, a local Community Advisory Panel was formed to work with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry on a Public Health Assessment in response to petitions by two former Cheshire residents who questioned the cancer rates in Cheshire. 

The CAP kept the researchers informed as to community concerns, and was also responsible for keeping residents informed about the process and outcome of the PHA, which was published in 2004.

The original Public Health Assessment looked at past public water contamination in Cheshire and evaluated cancer incidence rates for the years 1975 to 2000. The DPH concluded that there did not appear to be significant elevations in cancer incidence in Cheshire. 

However, there were some continuing concerns within the community with regard to pediatric cancers. These concerns prompted DPH to evaluate an additional eight years of cancer data. 

After reviewing incidence rates from these additional years, the DPH concluded that pediatric leukemia and childhood cancer incidence rates did not increase or decrease, but fluctuated over time and were not statistically significant. 

DPH will continue to work with the Cheshire community to ensure the environmental safety and health of the residents of Cheshire.