Second rare cancer strain emerges as Southern California cluster grows

A wealthy California enclave blighted by a cluster of extremely rare childhood cancers is now grappling with a second uncommon diagnosis.Jessica Keetch, from Orange County, revealed her daughter Haven, 18, lost her leg after battling synovial sarcoma, an aggressive soft tissue cancer that often appears as a lump on the leg.The disease is extremely rare in the United States, impacting less than 1,000 people across the country every year.It comes as the number of children affected by another rare type of cancer, called Ewing sarcoma, has risen to a dozen in Ladera Ranch.Furious families have demanded officials investigate whether environmental factors, including pesticide use, could be contributing to the illnesses — despite authorities saying no link has been established.Jessica told NBC4: “I think people need to listen and wake up and realize something is happening to our children.This is not random.”She added: “I’ll always remember the day.

I’ll cry thinking about it because it’s the worst day for a parent you can ever have.” California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Haven’s case follows mounting concern over several cases of Ewing sarcoma, an exceptionally rare bone and soft tissue cancer that affects only about 200 to 240 children and teenagers nationwide each year.Earlier this week, Bond Legal announced it had launched an investigation into the cases, saying it is seeking information from families whose children lived in or regularly visited the community.“The concentration of cases in a single community is deeply troubling, especially to those who live there,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal.The law firm emphasized multiple cancer diagnoses alone do not prove any environmental exposure caused the illnesses and ...