Urgent investigation into potential cancer cluster after mass diagnosis
An urgent investigation has been launched into a potential cancer cluster after five women from the same workplace all developed cancer.
Liverpool City Council confirmed five staff members working at its Moore Street office building, in Sydney’s southwest, were diagnosed with thyroid cancer within three to five years of each other.
Four of the five workers are taking part in an urgent investigation by the NSW Department of Health, while sixth worker who has reported a thyroid condition has also opted out.
The staff members were all working on the sixth floor of the office building, which has since been shut down upon the commencement of the investigation, with workers being relocated to other floors.
Jenny Havilah, who works on level six of the building and was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, told 9News she was concerned for her colleagues' health and safety.
“It certainly sounds very sinister,” she told the outlet when asked about how three of her workmates who sat five metres apart were experiencing the same health issue.
“I’m worried about my colleagues, not just on the sixth floor (but) that worked in that building.”
“I had my thyroid and some lymph nodes removed and I’ll get the results in a week or so.”
In a statement, Liverpool City Council said it was taking the matter “very seriously”, and have employed a third-party environmental health consultant while the NSW Department of Health undertakes a separate epidemiological investigation.
“The decision to relocate staff is in response to the council’s high level of concern for the welfare of its staff,” the council said.
“Our thoughts are with those affected and we wish them a prompt recovery.”
Image credits: Nine News