The Board of Health would like to share with the public communication between the Board and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) regarding breast cancer incidence in Wayland.  Based on a report issued by the MDPH in 2011 (Cancer incidence in Massachusetts, 2004-2008), the Board of Health raised questions regarding a higher than expected incidence of breast cancer in the Town.  Due to the higher than expected incidence of breast cancer in Wayland, in 2012 and 2013, the Board requested additional analysis be done by the MDPH, with regard to impact due to geographic significance, residential history and proximity to hazardous waste sites in town (the Dow site, the former dump at the Middle School location, and the former Watertown Dairy site).  According to MDPH, these studies have been completed, and show no link between breast cancer incidence and hazardous waste sites.  The most recent report received in November 2015 indicates that breast cancer incidence in Wayland is consistent with what would be expected based on population.  For more information including official correspondence and reports, please refer to the Wayland Health Department website: http://www.wayland.ma.us/Pages/waylandMA_Health/ and click on MDPH Breast Cancer Study correspondence and reports.

This press release is posted in PDF form online here.

The state’s reports on cancer incidence (including reports by town) are online here.