Multiple female high school teachers have been diagnosed with breast cancer within a short period, sparking an investigation by Massachusetts health officials. 

The state Department of Public Health is carrying out an environmental assessment at Uxbridge High School property to determine whether there is any link to the cancer cases. 

It’s still unclear how many teachers were affected or over what timeframe. State officials say there is no immediate danger at the building and that access remains unrestricted. 

Uxbridge Public Schools Superintendent David Ljungberg and High School Principal Michael Rubin announced the investigation in a letter to parents Monday.

‘It is, of course, possible that these multiple cases are not connected to one another, but out of an abundance of caution, we are looking into any environmental factors at the school that may be a factor in their diagnoses,’ the pair said.

The superintendent said the district contacted the Department of Public Health and the Uxbridge Board of Health after concerns emerged.

Since then, school officials have worked with environmental experts and scientists to investigate whether factors such as air quality or conditions on campus could be linked to the cancer cases. 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Indoor Air Quality Unit will evaluate the school on June 4, checking factors such as carbon monoxide levels, temperature, humidity, and other potential air quality concerns.

Uxbridge teacher, 29-year-old Nicole Anderson, who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer

The state Department of Public Health is carrying out an environmental assessment at Uxbridge High School property to determine whether there is any link to the cancer cases

‘Massachusetts DPH officials have indicated that there is no evidence of immediate danger in the building and no reason to limit access to or use of the facility at this time,’ Ljungberg said.

But concerns continue to grow among the community.

‘One of the teachers, she had to leave early because of breast cancer. So she’s out for right now, and we don’t know if she’ll be back,’ high school student Jayden Dubois told NBC10.

‘Some of the students were just heartbroken about it, because she’s a nice teacher,’ he added.

The Uxbridge Teachers Association praised school officials Wednesday, saying the district has kept staff informed and supported affected educators throughout their treatment. 

‘While early indications suggest that there are no environmental factors at Uxbridge High School putting students and staff at risk for breast cancer, the Uxbridge Teachers Association fully supports the investigation by public health experts and is urging members to assist however possible in this work,’ Teachers Association President Anna Drakulich said.

A GoFundMe was created for an Uxbridge teacher, 29-year-old Nicole Anderson, who was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

‘Her treatment plan as of now includes six months of intense chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by surgery, and then radiation,’ according to the GoFundMe.

‘Within the next week, Nicole will have her chemo port placed, additional imaging and biopsies, and fertility treatments.’

High school student Jayden Dubois expressed his concerns over a teacher getting sick

The Uxbridge Teachers Association praised school officials Wednesday, saying the district has kept staff informed and supported affected educators throughout their treatment

The fundraiser said the biggest challenge to Anderson’s diagnosis was stepping back from teaching

The fundraiser said the biggest challenge to Anderson’s diagnosis was stepping back from teaching.

‘One of the hardest parts of this diagnosis for Nicole has been the reality of stepping away from her classroom and “her kids.”

‘Unfortunately, her treatment team has made it clear that continuing to work during her treatment would be too risky as she will be extremely immunocompromised,’ it added.

The GoFundMe has raised almost $25,000 as of Wednesday. 

Breast cancer has multiple causes and affects about one in eight women, Dr Sam Nardello told the outlet. About 250,000 women are diagnosed with the disease every year.