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Oregon Public Health officials will be in Eugene Wednesday to discuss their investigation of cancer rates in the River Road, Trainsong and Bethel neighborhoods.

The state’s multi-year study found “significant elevations” of brain cancer, acute leukemia and lung cancer in some portions of Bethel and Trainsong.

But Environmental Health Assessment Program staff say they don’t have enough data on the health histories of residents and of the environmental contaminants to determine if the cancer clusters have been caused by industrial pollution. Data showed a correlation between leukemia and lung cancer and smoking.

The study began after residents and neighborhood organizations learned of the health risks and industrial pollution surrounding Eugene’s rail yard and industrial corridor.

The results include cases reported to the Oregon cancer registry from 1996 to 2004.

As a result of the findings, health assessment program staff are recommending programs for smokers in the area, and a review of existing air monitoring data.

The meeting is hosted by the Mayor’s Railyard Area Citizen Advisory Group, a group of local elected officials, representatives from health organizations, and residents from Bethel, Trainsong, River Road and Whiteaker neighborhoods. The group was created earlier this year by Mayor Kitty Piercy to help promote healthier neighborhoods and improved communications between the railroad, local and state agencies, and the community.

“Realistically we may never be able to prove or disprove a connection between these cancer clusters and particular environmental exposures,” Jeff Gent, a River Road resident and chair of the Mayor’s Railyard advisory group, said in a press release. “But we know there is more we can do to reduce our exposures to cancer-causing substances. Our advisory group will discuss recommendations for additional steps our local agencies and industries can take to reduce diesel particulate and other cancer-causing chemicals in the air in our neighborhoods.”

Andrea Ortiz, the Eugene city councilor representing the neighborhood, said Wednesday’s meeting is a chance for neighbors to continue a conversation they’ve been having for some time.

“I think we’ve had people mobilized for the past 10 years on this issue,” she said. “This is just part of furthering that discussion and providing everyone with the same information and answers.”

CANCER FINDINGS MEETING

What: State public health presentation on cancer clusters in parts of Eugene

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: American Red Cross, 862 Bethel Drive