Multiple female high school teachers at Uxbridge High School in Massachusetts have been diagnosed with breast cancer within a short period, leading to an investigation by state health officials. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is conducting an environmental assessment at the school property to determine whether there is any link to the cancer cases. The exact number of affected teachers and the timeframe remain unclear. State officials have stated that there is no immediate danger at the building and that access remains unrestricted.
School Leadership Announces Investigation
Uxbridge Public Schools Superintendent David Ljungberg and High School Principal Michael Rubin announced the investigation in a letter to parents on Monday. 'It is, of course, possible that these multiple cases are not connected to one another, but out of an abundance of caution, we are looking into any environmental factors at the school that may be a factor in their diagnoses,' the pair said. The superintendent noted that the district contacted the Department of Public Health and the Uxbridge Board of Health after concerns emerged.
Environmental Factors Under Review
School officials have been working with environmental experts and scientists to investigate whether factors such as air quality or conditions on campus could be linked to the cancer cases. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Indoor Air Quality Unit is scheduled to evaluate the school on June 4, checking factors such as carbon monoxide levels, temperature, humidity, and other potential air quality concerns. 'Massachusetts DPH officials have indicated that there is no evidence of immediate danger in the building and no reason to limit access to or use of the facility at this time,' Ljungberg said.
Community Concerns Grow
Concerns among the community continue to rise. High school student Jayden Dubois told NBC10, 'One of the teachers, she had to leave early because of breast cancer. So she's out for right now, and we don't know if she'll be back.' He added, 'Some of the students were just heartbroken about it, because she's a nice teacher.' The Uxbridge Teachers Association praised school officials on Wednesday, stating that the district has kept staff informed and supported affected educators throughout their treatment. 'While early indications suggest that there are no environmental factors at Uxbridge High School putting students and staff at risk for breast cancer, the Uxbridge Teachers Association fully supports the investigation by public health experts and is urging members to assist however possible in this work,' Teachers Association President Anna Drakulich said.
Support for Affected Teacher
A GoFundMe campaign was created for Uxbridge teacher Nicole Anderson, 29, who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. According to the fundraiser, 'Her treatment plan as of now includes six months of intense chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by surgery, and then radiation.' It also noted, 'Within the next week, Nicole will have her chemo port placed, additional imaging and biopsies, and fertility treatments.' The fundraiser highlighted that one of the hardest parts of Anderson's diagnosis has been stepping back from teaching. 'One of the hardest parts of this diagnosis for Nicole has been the reality of stepping away from her classroom and "her kids." Unfortunately, her treatment team has made it clear that continuing to work during her treatment would be too risky as she will be extremely immunocompromised,' it added. As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised almost $25,000.
Breast cancer has multiple causes and affects about one in eight women, according to Dr. Sam Nardello. Approximately 250,000 women are diagnosed with the disease every year in the United States.
