NSW: Cancer cluster ruled out at Concord Hospital

AAP General News (Australia)
12-21-2007
NSW: Cancer cluster ruled out at Concord Hospital

Authorities have ruled out the likelihood of a cancer cluster at Sydney's Concord Hospital
.. after a five-month investigation.

The Public Health Unit inquiry .. which was prompted by the cases of several women
who had been diagnosed with breast cancer .. identified 24 women from three different
areas of the hospital with the disease.

The Hospital's DANNY O'CONNOR says the study has found no evidence of an excessive
number of breast cancer cases in any one particular area of the hospital.

He says it's now important to reassure staff the working environment is safe and healthy.

BRUCE ARMSTRONG from the Sydney Cancer Centre says analysis indicates the cases of
breast cancer were within the number of cases expected in any sample of the general community.

MR ARMSTRONG says sadly breast cancer is a common disease affecting one in eleven women
over their lifetime.

AAP RTV kd/nap/was/sw/jec/

KEYWORD: CLUSTER (SYDNEY)

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