Designation and investigation of potential cancer clusters

In this section: The term “cancer cluster” means the incidence of a particular cancer within a population group, a geographical area, and a period of time that is greater than expected for such group, area, and period. The term “particular cancer” means one specific type of cancer or a type of cancers scientifically proven to have the same cause. The term “population group” means a group, for purposes of calculating cancer rates, defined by factors such as race, ethnicity, age, or gender. The Secretary shall develop criteria for the designation of potential cancer clusters. The criteria developed under paragraph (1) shall consider, as appropriate— The Secretary, in consultation with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and representatives of State and local health departments, shall develop, publish, and periodically update guidelines for investigating potential cancer clusters. The guidelines shall— recommend that investigations of cancer clusters— The Secretary— In investigating potential cancer clusters, the Secretary shall coordinate with agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services and other Federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency. In investigating potential cancer clusters, the Secretary shall rely on all appropriate biomonitoring information collected under other Federal programs, such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The Secretary may provide technical assistance for relevant biomonitoring studies of other Federal agencies. The Secretary shall—