State to investigate pediatric cancer cluster further

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire officials say the state is planning to investigate a troubling pediatric cancer cluster ‘‘in more detail’’ after more parents have come forward with additional cases.

The Portsmouth Herald reports a 14-year-old North Hampton boy’s death from rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, led to the state Department of Health and Human Service’s acknowledgement of the pediatric cancer cluster in the Seacoast area.

The department has looked into RMS cancer cases in Rye, New Castle, Greenland, North Hampton and Portsmouth. The state’s report found that the number of cases among the five towns was higher in comparison to other Rockingham County municipalities.

DHHS officials also identified ‘‘a small excess of pediatric lung cancer cases,’’ which they determined wasn’t caused by ‘‘environmental or behavioral risk factors.’’

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Information from: Portsmouth Herald

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