Cancer Cluster Concerns in Maryland
A cancer cluster is a larger than usual number of the same cancers occurring during the same time period among people who live or work near each other. Worries about cancer clusters can begin when people notice that several relatives, friends, neighbors, or coworkers have been diagnosed with cancer. Though most suspected cancer concerns are determined not to be cancer clusters, when reported, cancer cluster concerns are taken very seriously and investigated through a systematic process to determine if science is able to provide helpful information.
The Maryland Cancer Registry at the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), in collaboration with the DHMH Environmental Health Bureau and the Maryland Department of the Environment, work in conjunction with local health departments to thoroughly investigate all suspected cancer concerns reported by the public.
Information for Maryland Residents
Instructions on what steps a Maryland resident should take in order to officially report a suspected cancer cluster.
Your local health department is your primary contact with any questions or when reporting a suspected cancer cluster. This document contains contact information for every local health department in Maryland.
Information for Local Health Departments
Official state guidelines for Maryland local health departments on cancer cluster response and investigations.
Other Links
The websites below include valuable information on cancer including, disease overviews, possible risk factors, protective factors, and cancer clusters.
• Final Report of the Workgroup on Cancer Clusters and Environmental Causes of Cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
o Cancer
o Cancer Clusters
• National Cancer Institute – Cancer Clusters
• American Cancer Society- Cancer Clusters
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
• University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center
For more information about cancer clusters, or to talk to a public health professional, please contact a representative at our local health department.
