CDC 24/7 - Saving Lives - Connecticut's Success

Tracking the relationship between bladder cancer and environmental contamination

What is the problem?

An industrial town in southeast Connecticut reported increased numbers of cancer cases among residents. This led to an extensive environmental study of a former manufacturing site in the town. The study looked at the relationships among lead, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyl contamination and a possible increase in cancer cases.

What did Tracking do?

The Connecticut Tracking Program assisted with a follow-up study to the original investigation. The follow-up study looked at bladder cancer trends in the town. The tracking program guided the study design and analyzed the data. The follow-up study found that the trend of increased male bladder cancer ended in 1989. It also showed elevated bladder cancer rates for males and females from 1991 to 1996. These increases were small, but still important.

Improved public health

The study results not only benefit the residents of the specific town but also provide all Connecticut residents with a better understanding of the relationship between the environment and health.