A cluster of diagnoses involving an extremely rare form of cancer has raised concerns among families in Ladera Ranch, an affluent community in Orange County, California, where at least six children have been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.
Ewing sarcoma is a rare bone and soft tissue cancer that affects approximately 200 to 240 children and teenagers nationwide each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Among those diagnosed was 17-year-old Brody Matteson, who died in March after a battle with the disease that began shortly before his 16th birthday.
Brody's mother, Megan Matteson, told NBC Los Angeles that her son, an active outdoor enthusiast, initially complained of persistent back pain. Doctors later discovered the cancer had developed on his spine.
After her son's death, Megan Matteson was contacted by several other Ladera Ranch families whose children had also been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. This prompted fears among residents that the cases might be connected.
Dozens of concerned residents attended a homeowners association meeting, where families advocated for changes to landscaping and pest-control practices. The families have urged officials to investigate whether pesticides used throughout the community could be a contributing factor, though research has only explored a possible association between pesticide exposure and Ewing sarcoma without establishing a direct causal link.
"We cannot say that this is what’s causing it," attorney Jackie French told NBC Los Angeles. "We feel like there’s a larger number of cancer cases in Ladera than normal, and in looking at the pesticide use, it does seem like it’s more than normal in Ladera."
Brody's father, Dustin Matteson, expressed cautious optimism after the meeting, stating, "We felt like we got some positive feedback that they’re going to be willing to work with us." He suggested forming an advisory board with local citizens to collaborate with the landscaping board on developing a more integrated pest management program, focusing on organic methods and reducing the use of synthetic pesticides.
Orange County health officials have stated that an initial review of cancer data has not revealed any clear patterns among the reported cases. However, they plan to conduct another review in the coming weeks due to ongoing resident concerns.
Ewing sarcoma primarily affects children, teenagers, and young adults, often developing in the bones or surrounding soft tissue. Early symptoms can include persistent bone or joint pain, swelling or a lump near the affected area, unexplained fever or fatigue, and sometimes a bone fracture with little or no injury. The Matteson family expressed their commitment to advocating for other children affected by the disease.