UNC Health has asked state and federal health officials for help to investigate a possible cluster of cancer cases tied to its clinical laboratory, a spokesperson for the Chapel Hill, N.C.-based system confirmed to Becker's Jan. 31.
UNC Health said it notified the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services of a "possible pattern of cancer diagnoses" after staff members raised concerns.
The health system does not have access to employee medical records but said it was notified of four current employees and up to a dozen former staff members who have been diagnosed with cancer over the last two decades. During this time, more than 1,000 employees have worked at the lab, UNC estimates.
State health officials visited the lab Jan. 23 and are slated to issue a full report by the end of February. UNC Health also requested the lab undergo a health hazards assessment by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Federal officials began this effort Jan. 29.
"UNC Health is committed to working closely with the appropriate agencies throughout this process and communicating proactively and transparently with our teammates and community," the spokesperson said. "We plan to share more information as it becomes available. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians, including our teammates across the state."