Cancer clusters

A cancer cluster is the occurrence of a greater than expected number of the same or aetiologically related cancer cases that occur within a geographically or otherwise definable group of people over a defined time period.

Cancer cluster investigation is a scientific process to determine if there is an increased number of aetiologically related cancer cases in the suspected cluster and if there is a biologically plausible causal agent(s) that could have caused the cluster.

Cancer cluster guidelines

Guidelines for the Investigation of Cancer Clusters in Western Australia (PDF 492KB), outline the various settings in which cancer clusters can occur, which entity takes responsibility in each setting, and the key roles to be discharged in an investigation.

• Guidelines for the Investigation of Cancer Clusters in Western Australia (PDF 492KB)
• Guidelines for the Investigation of Cancer Clusters in Western Australia: Appendices (PDF 392KB)

Five evaluation phases for investigation are described with detailed procedures provided to move through each phase, as required. The five phases of investigation are outlined in the table below:

Five evaluation phases for investigation of cancer clusters
1.	Initial assessment (initial information collection and general assessment)
2	Primary evaluation (collection of further information and broad assessments)
3	Secondary evaluation (epidemiological and environmental assessments)
4	Tertiary evaluation (detailed epidemiological and environmental health assessments)
5	Research evaluation and surveillance (optional phase; assess if a research investigation and/or ongoing surveillance are necessary and feasible).

The guidelines aim to provide an efficient, multidisciplinary approach to responding to expressions of concern from the community, health professionals or other interested parties about a possible cancer cluster in Western Australia (WA). The Guidelines provide a systematic process for conducting a cancer cluster investigation and aim to be accessible to all whom such clusters affect, including communities in which clusters are suspected or have been observed.

While the guidelines specifically address investigating a cancer cluster, the principles can also be applied to the clustering of non-infectious diseases other than cancer.

Clustering of infectious diseases is not covered in these Guidelines. 

Register a cancer cluster

If you suspect a cluster in:

• a workplace, you should report it to the relevant company or employer.
• your neighbourhood, you can report it to the Department of Health.

Reports to the Department of Health can be emailed to cluster.assessments@health.wa.gov.au or by calling the Director Epidemiology on 6373 3914.