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People still want answers after childhood cancer cases discovered

CANONSBURG, Pa. — Another meeting was held in Canonsburg after 11 Investigates uncovered children living in close proximity were all diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

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The 11 Investigates report found that five children were diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. The report prompted a state investigation, but state officials would not designate the five cases a cancer cluster.

At least three of the children diagnosed have died since those reports came to light.

"Something needs to be done. Some one needs to stand up. I don't care if it's a doctor, I don't care if its a lawyer, I don't care if it's a politician. Someone needs to get the guys to stand up."

The sister of Luke Blanock was among those speaking at Tuesday's meeting, and for her, the concern is personal. Blanock died in 2016 after a 3-year battle with Ewing's sarcoma.

"We can't solve those problems necessarily. We can't provide all the answers but we will bring those concerns to the Department of Health. We will continue to bring those to the CDC," said Raina Rippel with the Southwest Environmental Health Project.

The non-profit group was hosting the community meeting, asking Governor Tom Wolfe to open an investigation into the number of childhood cancers in the area.

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