Nov 18, 2009 7:19 pm US/Eastern
Rockland Residents Get Tested For Thyroid Cancer
SUFFERN, N.Y. (CBS) ―
Thyroid cancer is of particular concern in Rockland County after a recent study by an anti-nuclear power group, claiming the thyroid cancer rate in Rockland, 18 cases per 100,000 residents, is two times higher than the national average. Dozens of concerned residents turned out for special testing Wednesday to see if they're at risk.
It's a five-minute ultrasound that could save years of worry for Stony Point resident Rita Nartowicz. "I think everyone's concerned about things like the thyroid, and the adrenal glands."
"We'd like to know why but it's going to take a lot more investigation," said Darcy Casteleiro. She works for Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, who asked "Project Chernobyl" to sponsor the clinic.
The project has been tracking thyroid cancer in Russian immigrants exposed to radiation in the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Plant disaster.
Rockland is just across the Hudson from Indian Point, which is too close for some critics.
Nuclear power opponents said the thyroid cancer rates are one reason Indian Point's license should not be renewed and the plant should be shut down. However, Entergy, the plant operator, said the thyroid study group practices "junk science," and that "no responsible public health agency has ever suggested a link between nuclear power and thyroid cancer."
One environmental health expert takes the thyroid study with a grain of salt. "The incidence has gone up but are they taking into account, detection methods are now better and awareness has been increased for all types of cancer including breast cancer," said Dr. Melanie Rie of SUNY-Rockland.
She says more testing is a good idea so scientists can get a better picture of the thyroid cancer problem.
The Project Chernobyl medical director said the most common thyroid cancers respond well to treatment, even in advanced stages.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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