Possible cancer link studied in Monticello

MONTICELLO (AP) — Utah health officials are taking a closer look at cancer rates among residents of Monticello. Some are occurring at twice the normal rate, possibly because of a uranium mill near the southeastern Utah town.

State officials say Monticello residents had higher-than-normal rates of lung and bronchial cancer.

Epidemiologist John Contreras says it's "plausible" that there's a connection between cancer and dust and contaminated soils from the defunct mill.

The state is discussing the findings with Monticello residents this week, including an update on a more comprehensive study of health issues and uranium operations in the area. Contreras says he expects that study will be done by the end of the year.