Cancer cluster in New South Wales prompts investigation

New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says she is reviewing reports of a brain cancer cluster in the Upper Hunter Valley and concerns health problems there are linked to mining activity. A report on ABC's Four Corners program last night examined concerns that pollution from mines and power stations is leading to increasing levels of illness. One doctor told the program he was leaving the area because his children had asthma and eczema. It has also been revealed that five residents in a small area in Singleton have all been diagnosed with brain tumours. Dr Chant says while she did not know about the apparent cancer cluster before, department officials made contact with the families yesterday.