Ladera Ranch Cancer Cluster Under Investigation After Multiple Rare Cancer Diagnoses

Investigations have been launched after an alarming number of children have been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The cancer cluster, centered in Ladera Ranch, Orange Country, saw six teens diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma since 2013, a rare form of cancer that affects only about 200 children nationwide each year.

Ewing sarcoma is a form of cancer that starts in the bone or nearby soft tissues. It is a rare form of cancer that affects mostly adolescents or young adults. Ewing sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of childhood cancers. The five-year relative survival rate for Ewing sarcoma is approximately 65%, with the prognosis generally being more favourable if the cancer is detected early.

Locals living in Ladera Ranch have raised concerns after six local children were diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. One of the teens, Brody Matteson, passed away from the disease in March 2026, at age 17. He was first diagnosed with the disease in August 2024, and his cancer metastasized, causing him to develop a secondary cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

His mother, Dustin Matteson, along with other residents in the community, have launched an investigation which suggested that the disease could possibly be linked to a heavy use of pesticides and herbicides in the community. According to the residents’ investigation, records show that 17 different pesticides and herbicides were applied throughout Ladera Ranch in June alone, with applications occurring almost daily.

“We don’t have a clear line of evidence to pesticides, but it is one of the things that concerns us,” Matteson shared.

“When I looked into the data, Ladera Ranch is using an insane amount of pesticides compared to any other city. It’s the sheer volume and the fact that they are overlapping different chemicals day after day. It doesn’t make sense why they use so much, and it doesn’t make sense why they won’t stop when we ask,” one of the locals shared.

Raising concerns over pesticide use

On June 8, 2026, the community residents met with the Homeowners Association, who were receptive to the residents’ concerns.

“We felt like we got some positive feedback, that they’re going to be willing to work with us, maybe put together an advisory board with some local citizens to work along with the landscaping board, to work towards a more integrated pest management program, meaning organic,” Matteson shared.

Following the concerns raised by local residents, attorneys from Bond Legal have begun an official investigation into the matter. Orange Country health officials have also shared that they are reviewing the case further.

In response to the matter, Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) released a statement to People Magazine, extending its “heartfelt compassion to the families who have been affected by these devastating illnesses”.

“We understand why residents are seeking answers, and we recognize the concern that recent media coverage has generated throughout our community. LARMAC takes these concerns seriously. We are aware that public health agencies are reviewing available information, and we will continue to cooperate with those efforts and follow guidance provided by the appropriate health and regulatory authorities. At this time, we are not aware of any determination by those agencies identifying a specific environmental cause or linking the Association’s landscape management practices to these illnesses,” the statement read.

The LARMAC added that they have been reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and switching to organic pesticides and “will continue to review our programs and make adjustments where appropriate”.

Pesticides are chemicals used to protect crops and plants by controlling pests such as weeds and insects. Studies have suggested that exposure to certain pesticides may be linked to cancers such as leukemia and Ewing sarcoma. According to the American Cancer Society, exposure to large amounts of pesticides and herbicides can be toxic, especially when used improperly in industrial, farming or other workplace settings. It is also suggested that prolonged or acute exposure to pesticides can lead to chronic illnesses.

However, there is insufficient evidence that the low doses of pesticide and herbicide residues found in farmed food increase the risk of cancer. Additionally, each new pesticide and herbicide registered for use on food crops in the US is evaluated for its carcinogenicity through studies on laboratory animals and humans.