Rare cancer cases strike in California community as families demand answers
The CDPH stated that it is not yet known whether diagnoses of Ewing sarcoma and other cancer types are higher than expected in the Ladera Ranch community – or whether environmental factors can increase the risk.
In July 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli asked the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate possible environmental factors that could have contributed to multiple pediatric cancer cases.
According to federal officials and local reporting, at least six children in the area have been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. (iStock)
Over the summer, hundreds of residents gathered at community meetings. At the same time, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) – the master homeowners association (HOA) for the planned community of Ladera Ranch in Orange County – temporarily paused its use of certain landscape chemicals and formed an advisory committee to review its landscaping practices.
As the investigation has continued, some residents have also publicly reported diagnoses of other cancers, including glioblastoma, although the current state review has not established whether those cases are related.
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On Sept. 14, California State Fullerton researchers began collecting soil and water samples from local parks as part of the environmental investigation.
Jennifer Piazza, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Public Health at Cal State Fullerton, assembled a team of researchers to help address the environmental concerns stemming from the pediatric cancer cases.
Some residents have suggested the illnesses could be linked to the community’s use of herbicides and pesticides, which prompted calls for a broader environmental investigation. (iStock)
“Environmental sampling is the first step of our larger, ongoing scientific investigation,” she 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 expects to have results by the end of the year, Piazza said.
“I also want to emphasize that whatever we find does not imply causality in terms of the pediatric cancer cases in Ladera Ranch,” she added.
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LARMAC released a statement to People magazine, extending its “heartfelt compassion to the families who have been affected by these devastating illnesses.”
“LARMAC takes these concerns seriously. We are aware that public health agencies are reviewing available information, and we will continue to cooperate with those efforts and follow guidance provided by the appropriate health and regulatory authorities.”
“It’s pain that persists. It’s pain that wakes them up from their sleep. It’s pain that limits their daily activities.”
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/rare-cancer-cases-strike-california-community-families-demand-answers