Bombshell health scare as Blakehurst High School is rocked by suspected cancer cluster – sparking a department investigation
A former senior high school teacher has suggested that there is either a cancer cluster or her old workplace is ‘cursed’ after several colleagues were diagnosed, sparking a government health audit.
Debbie Fabrizio was in charge of the science faculty at Blakehurst High School in Sydney’s south until she quit in February, amid fears about staff becoming sick.
She claimed that she and several other staff were diagnosed with breast cancer, including her best friend Linda O’Brien, who sadly lost her battle in 2023.
However, Daily Mail understands that Ms O’Brien, who was also head of science, was diagnosed prior to starting at Blakehurst High.
‘We had, I don’t know if I’m allowed to say this, but three head teachers in a row with breast cancer,’ Ms Fabrizio told 7News as she fought back tears.
‘It’s either a cluster or it’s extraordinarily bad luck. Like, you know, that’s a curse level there.’
Ms Fabrizio claimed that she raised concerns about asbestos found on school grounds, which was later removed.
Science teacher Debbie Fabrizio (pictured) has claimed there may be a cancer cluster among staff at her former school Blakehurst High in Sydney’s south
Ms Fabrizio has claimed three teachers in a row have suffered from breast cancer
Ms Fabrizio also claimed that staff were ordered to keep quiet and warned it would be ‘a code of conduct issue if this leaks.’
When asked if she felt ignored, an emotional Ms Fabrizio replied: ‘Absolutely’.
She is now speaking out ‘so other people don’t get hurt’.
The Daily Mail does not suggest that suspected asbestos at the school caused any illness, only that Ms Fabrizio raised those concerns while working there.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has ordered a health audit of Blakehurst High School, which is within his local Kogarah electorate.
‘We’re not going to leave any stone unturned. I’ve asked questions personally,’ he said.
‘They’ve looked at the science facilities, including the storeroom, prep room, break rooms and science labs.’
Initial testing of the facilities came back clear.
NSW Premier and local MP Chris Minns has ordered a health audit of Blakehurst High School
The NSW Department of Education confirmed that an investigation is underway.
‘The health, safety and wellbeing of staff and students is always the department’s top priority,’ a spokesman told Daily Mail.
‘Following concerns from staff, the department commissioned comprehensive and independent testing at Blakehurst High School.
‘There was also testing conducted in 2021. The results of the testing have identified no areas of concern.’
The next steps include epidemiological research to be led by NSW Health.
‘That means reaching out to those who have been diagnosed to understand health histories and work on commonalities, particularly around when diagnoses took place,’ the education spokesman added.
Once this assessment is complete, a spokesperson from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District said the unit will advise the Department of Education and the school community if there is any need for further investigation.
‘Cancer is common in Australia,’ they said.
‘In most cases, an increase in cancer within a location reflects the variable incidence of cancer in the community, and no risk is associated with that location.’
