California Community Grapples with Rare Cancer Cluster as Officials Investigate
At least six children in Ladera Ranch have been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, prompting calls for environmental testing and a review by state health officials.
A cluster of rare cancer diagnoses has raised concerns in Ladera Ranch, California, prompting environmental testing and a review by state health officials, though no specific cause has been identified.
At least six children in the area have been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare cancer that forms in bone or soft tissue and primarily affects adolescents and young adults. The diagnoses have led to calls for a thorough investigation into potential environmental factors.
Following the March 2026 death of 17-year-old Brody Matteson from complications related to Ewing sarcoma treatment, other families in the community began sharing their experiences with rare cancer diagnoses. Some residents, including Brody's father, Dustin Matteson, have suggested a possible link to the community's use of herbicides and pesticides, urging for a comprehensive environmental study.
In response to these concerns, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) conducted a county-level review in 2024 to assess the potential role of pesticide use in cancer development. This initial analysis did not reveal an unusual pattern at the county level, with CDPH citing limited data availability at the time. The agency is now undertaking a second, more localized review of cancer incidence data specifically for the Ladera Ranch area.
"CDPH currently estimates the assessment will be completed in fall 2026, although the timeline may change based on the scope and complexity of the review and any additional information that may need to be evaluated," the agency stated. "At this time, our colleagues at CalEPA (California Environmental Protection Agency) and its boards, departments and offices have not identified any immediate environmental hazards."
In July, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli formally requested that the Environmental Protection Agency investigate possible environmental factors contributing to the pediatric cancer cases. In response to community concerns, the Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC), the master homeowners association, temporarily suspended the use of certain landscape chemicals and established an advisory committee to review its landscaping practices. Some residents have also reported diagnoses of other cancers, including glioblastoma, though the current state review has not yet determined if these cases are related.
On September 14, researchers from California State Fullerton began collecting soil and water samples from local parks as part of the environmental investigation. Jennifer Piazza, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Public Health at Cal State Fullerton, is leading the research team.
"Environmental sampling is the first step of our larger, ongoing scientific investigation," Piazza told Fox News Digital. "We are collecting soil and water samples across Ladera Ranch. They are being analyzed for heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead, as well as pesticides." The team anticipates having results by the end of the year.
Piazza emphasized, "I also want to emphasize that whatever we find does not imply causality in terms of the pediatric cancer cases in Ladera Ranch."
LARMAC issued a statement expressing sympathy to the affected families and affirmed its commitment to taking concerns seriously and cooperating with public health agencies. The organization noted that it has not been informed of any determination by health agencies linking its landscaping practices to these illnesses and has transitioned to using organic pesticides.
Regarding Ewing sarcoma, Dr. Janet Yoon, a pediatric oncologist and sarcoma specialist at City of Hope, stated that there is no confirmed genetic or environmental cause known to increase the likelihood of developing the disease. While some studies have suggested links between occupational exposure to certain pesticides and an increased risk for some cancers, no known lifestyle-related or environmental cause for Ewing sarcoma has been identified by the American Cancer Society.
Yoon described the disease's typical presentation as persistent pain that can disrupt sleep and daily activities, advising families to seek medical evaluation for any prolonged or worsening pain. She highlighted the importance of specialized cancer centers for accurate diagnosis, especially given that cancer can be a