East Palestine Train Crash Causes Cancer Concerns, Rep. Joaquin Castro Provides NET Update and More

March 3, 2023
Brielle Benyon
Brielle Benyon

Brielle Benyon, Assistant Managing Editor for CURE®, has been with MJH Life Sciences since 2016. She has served as an editor on both CURE and its sister publication, Oncology Nursing News. Brielle is a graduate from The College of New Jersey. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, CrossFit and wishing she had the grace and confidence of her toddler-aged daughter.

Experts are concerned that the train derailment in Ohio may pose cancer risks down the line.

The recent train derailment in Ohio may pose cancer risks, an expert said.

On Feb. 3, a train crashed off the tracks in East Palestine, Ohio, releasing toxic fumes and causing area-wide evacuations. Since then, residents of the town have been complaining of headaches and respiratory symptoms, which could be symptoms of long-term health complications, such as cancer, Dr. Corey Hebert told “NewsNation Live."

“This is a long-term situation that’s going to have to be monitored for not one year, not ten years, but decades,” said he said. “These long-term situations can also lead to cancer, as well as other very serious autoimmune problems.”

READ MORE: The Cancerous Legacy of Environmental Toxins

Leaker of the Pentagon Papers announced that he was diagnosed with cancer.

Daniel Ellsberg, a former Defense Department consultant who leaked the Pentagon Papers and revealed the United States’ strategy in the Vietnam War, announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer and given approximately three to six months to live.

In a Facebook post, the 91-year-old said that he opted to forego chemotherapy, and will utilize hospice care when deemed appropriate.

Rep. Joaquin Castro underwent cancer surgery.

Joaquin Castro, a democratic representative from Texas, underwent surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to remove cancerous tumors in his gastrointestinal tracts after receiving a neuroendocrine cancer diagnosis last summer.

“Today, I successfully underwent surgery to remove gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Last summer, doctors discovered these small, slow-growing, and mostly asymptomatic tumors after a series of tests,” he said in a tweet.

A statement from Julian, Castro’s twin, said that his brother is “recovering well” and thanked the staff at MD Anderson.

A National Guardsman with cancer thanked local students who wrote him cards.

Justin Brown, a Wisconsin native and member of the National Guard, recently went to Manz Elementary School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to thank students who wrote him inspirational cards after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The cards came after Brown’s friend — who is a teacher at the school — heard of his diagnosis.

“It was absolutely heartwarming and touching. It was interesting hearing all of their stories and how some of them have had some cancer patients in their lives,” Brown said.

Texans’ coach offered an update on John Metchie III’s cancer.

After receiving a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia in July, Texans’ wide receiver John Metchie missed his entire rookie season.

At the recent NFL scouting combine, Texans’ coach DeMeco Ryans discussed Metchie and how he has been handling treatment.

“I’m just proud of the things that he’s been through, such a resilient young man who I’m happy and excited to work with. Just so proud of the process and the things he’s been through, he shows all the mental toughness and grit and all those things, I’m proud of how Metchie has continued to battle,” he said.


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