Study finds cancer clusters all over South Florida

A new study shows the problem may be much bigger and cover a larger area than just the Acreage.

This is the study dealing with childhood cancer clusters in Florida. One of the researchers who did this study says his findings were just released in January.

State workers this week are taking soil samples in the Acreage, digging soil, digging for answers to what's causing the pediatric cancer cluster.

Now a new study reveals that the problem isn't just in the Acreage. The study found that much of south Florida lies in a childhood cancer cluster.

"Our findings, our collaborative research findings show that there exists a larger portion of south Florida that appears as a statistical cancer cluster," said Dr. Amin.

The study includes this map that researchers used to illustrate the situation, showing a childhood cancer cluster covers much of south Florida, inlcuding Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties and stretches all the way to Naples and Fort Myers.

Dr. Amin says the number of childhood cancers he found in South Florida between 2000 and 2007 was about double the number that would be expected. But that does not mean we should all conclude we're at higher risk for cancer.

"First of all this study is only for pediatric cancer. And we are considering now the next step, which is for the other age groups," he said.

One Acreage homeowner, the father of a 4 month old baby girl, says the study worries him.

"It's a little shocking. But it kinda opens up our eyes that this problem is much more widespread," said Robert Lutein.

Dr. Amin, the guy who did the study is a college professor of math and statistics.

He says he and his colleagues did not look at what may be the cause of the cancer cluster, but he says that should be studied further. Amin says they did the study on their own time, and did not have any government grants or funding. He hopes funds can be made available to support a more in-depth study.

Also, the Palm Beach County Health Department says this study was not part of their investigation, and they've been doing their own separate investigation into the cancer cluster.