Cancer Cluster Investigations: A Case Study and Resources
The investigation of a potential cancer cluster can be a difficult, even traumatic experience for a community. The videos on this website document the challenges involved in an investigation and serve as a resource for others involved in potential cancer cluster investigations. The videos are divided into three sections:
Frederick, Maryland: A Case Study
Residents and public health professionals explain how concerns about cancer rates and buried chemicals led to a cluster investigation.
Learn MoreAdvice for Communities
These videos explain what a cancer cluster is, how they are investigated and what options concerned residents have.
Learn MoreAdvice for Public Health Professionals
Residents and public health professionals offer guidance about dealing with public and the media in a cancer cluster investigation.
Learn MoreRead more about the JHSPH Frederick Oral History Project.
Read “It Would Break Your Heart.” This 2013 Johns Hopkins Public Health magazine article chronicles the Frederick investigation and includes the perspective of Frederick residents as well as public health professionals.
More information: Brian W. Simpson, bsimpson@jhsph.edu
Frederick Voices
People from Frederick, Md. and public health professionals talk about a possible cancer cluster and whether it can be linked to nearby Fort Detrick, where biological weapons were tested and chemicals remain buried.