Unit10 Investigation: Valley Center Cancer

SAN DIEGO -- An unusually high number of illnesses in Valley Center has county officials investigating the possibility of a cancer cluster, 10News' Kim Edwards reported in a Unit10 Investigation.

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Numbers Caught Attention Of Residents, County Officials

In Valley Center, open spaces, rolling hills, and orange trees outnumber people. When a dozen residents got cancer during the last decade -- numbers better suited for a crowded city -- it set off alarms. The numbers caught the attention first of parents and now county officials.

"I know of about seven kids that have different types of cancer," resident Vicki Sheedy said.

Sheedy has watched neighbors get sick -- even die -- and worries about the odds for her healthy kids.

County Supervisor Bill Horn said that the numbers deserve attention, but warned residents not to panic.

"We are investigating," Horn said. "We're looking to see if there is a cancer cluster situation."

The California Cancer Registry documented six cases of childhood cancer in Valley Center during the last 12 years. Those include three brain cancer cases, one case of leukemia, one Hodgkin's disease case and one thyroid cancer case.

When it comes to the most recent cases, investigators will need more information on the children including names, dates of birth, diagnoses and addresses so that they can piece together whether or not there is any connection between the cases.

The community may have to wait five months for the results of the investigation.

In the meantime, a fund-raiser will be held Saturday for young Michael Smith, another victim of leukemia in Valley Center.

Horn's office plans to host community meetings in Valley Center to discuss the issue.