Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

Nation & World


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 2:25 PM

Comments (0)     E-mail E-mail article      Print Print      Share Share

PA residents in cancer cluster tested for mutation

Federal health researchers have tested nearly 2,200 people in northeastern Pennsylvania for a genetic mutation associated with a rare blood cancer.

The Associated Press

ALLENTOWN, Pa. —

Federal health researchers have tested nearly 2,200 people in northeastern Pennsylvania for a genetic mutation associated with a rare blood cancer.

The testing found the mutation in 19 people, or 1.6 percent of those who participated in the study. Scientists don't yet know how prevalent this mutation is in the general population.

The testing was performed after government epidemiologists confirmed a cluster of polycythemia (pah-lee-sy-THEE'-mee-ah) vera, or PV, a cancer that results in the overproduction of red blood cells and can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Three Superfund sites, a power plant and several abandoned strip mines are among the culprits suspected of making people sick in a 20-mile stretch between Hazleton and Tamaqua.

The cause of PV is unknown.

E-mail E-mail article      Print Print      Share Share

More Nation & World

UPDATE - 10:01 AM
Rebels tighten hold on Libya oil port

UPDATE - 09:29 AM
Reality leads US to temper its tough talk on Libya

UPDATE - 09:38 AM
2 Ark. injection wells may be closed amid quakes

Armed guards save Dutch couple from Somali pirates

Navy to release lewd video investigation findings

More Nation & World headlines...

Comments
No comments have been posted to this article.

advertising


Get home delivery today!

Video

Advertising

AP Video

Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech

Marketplace

Advertising