2006.11.28 – INTERVIEWS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH POLYCHTHEMIA VERA TO BEGIN AS PART OF TAMAQUA AREA STUDY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 28, 2006

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Department of Health Commonwealth News Bureau Room 308, Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120 CONTACT: Richard McGarvey (717) 787-1783

INTERVIEWS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH POLYCYTHEMIA VERA TO BEGIN AS PART OF TAMAQUA AREA STUDY

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry [ATSDR] are initiating an epidemiological investigation of polycythemia vera [PV] cases in Carbon, Schuylkill and Luzerne Counties.

During the week of November 27, the health department and ATSDR will start interviewing individuals that have been diagnosed with PV. The information gathered during this investigation will be used to better understand the PV cases and identify potential residential and occupational environmental exposures.

Only documented cases that have been reported to the State of Pennsylvania Cancer Registry will be interviewed. Individuals who have PV, and wish to be part of the investigation are encouraged to contact their physicians to ensure that their illness has been reported to the state’s Cancer Registry.

For more information on the PV study, or how to be involved, call the PA Department of Health at (717) 346-3283.