Cameron Brain Cancer Inquiry

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is conducting a Cancer Inquiry in response to concerns about brain tumor cases in the northeast Missouri town of Cameron.

A Cancer Inquiry is done to determine if there is an unusually high number of cases of a specific type of cancer in a community. Information is gathered and reviewed to decide if a certain type of cancer is occurring more than expected in a specific area (city, county or zip code region). If a higher-than-expected number of cases of a particular type of cancer are found in the area, the Cancer Inquiry will attempt to determine if there is a common cause for most of the cancer cases.

In Cameron, a Cancer Inquiry is being conducted to determine if there is a higher-than-expected number of brain tumors of the same type occurring in the area. In conjunction with the Cancer Inquiry, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is conducting an environmental investigation with assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. DHSS staff are working closely with DNR to ensure that any possible environmental contaminants that could impact the public’s health are identified and addressed.

For more information about the Cancer Inquiry Program call 573-522-2841.

Cameron Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

DNR's Cameron Environmental Investigation

News Release - Department Director Childers Will Visit Cameron, Discuss Environmental Investigation (8-12-08)

News Release - Tests Show Cameron Water Safe for Drinking; State Seeks Information in Tumor Investigation (5-23-08)