Ladera Ranch probes possible cluster of rare cancer amid environmental concerns

Residents of Ladera Ranch are pursuing a possible cluster of rare Ewing sarcoma cases (at least six diagnosed since 2013) amid deaths like Brody Matteson’s, pressing for environmental investigations. The California Cancer Registry is reviewing local data, but doctors warn that proving a causal link is difficult and no proven environmental cause exists. A residents’ group, Ladera Health Watch, is studying pesticides, water and soil quality, old oil wells, and the nearby Prima Deshecha Landfill, seeking policy changes and more research funding while scientific studies have not established a causal connection.