Study to look at cancer rates in N.B.'s northeast

Residents in New Brunswick's northeast are being interviewed as part of a government study to determine why the cancer rate in the region is so high.

A 2005 study by the Health Department found residents of Belledune, Petit-Rocher and Pointe Verte experience a higher rate of cancer and other diseases when comparedwith the rest of the province.

That study called for a number of approaches, including testing of children and pregnant women for lead in blood, and testing of soil from local gardens.

A nearby lead smelter was ruled out as a factor.

Approximately 1,200 people will be interviewed over a two-week period beginning on Oct. 15.

The final results are expected by December 2008.