West Coast Health Survey
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Administrative History: The West Coast Health Survey

The West Coast Survey investigation began when it was observed that there was a high incidence of cases of lymphoreticular malignancy in neighbouring communities on the West Coast of Newfoundland. In 1973, the General Hospital in St. John’s admitted a patient who had acquired immunodeficiency, and who had several relatives with Hodgkin’s disease or other malignant disorders. This situation led to a one day symposium and discussion, at which it was determined that a visit to the community would be important. This visit would involve an investigation, the scope of which would include clinical, genetic, immunological, virological and epidemiological aspects. In turn, it was hoped that a common factor among the lymphoma patients might be discovered. 

The original plan of investigating one family escalated in the following year to include an entire community survey. The organizational framework of this study proved useful for other studies to occur at the same time including: genetic studies; a hypertension survey; a myopia survey; and an arthritis survey.

The project offered medical checkups to those who wanted one, and then the information was used in the research investigations. 1200 people were seen, representing 70% of the population.

Copyright
Permission to reproduce the publication, “The West Coast Health Survey: Progress, Prospects and Plans,” for this exhibit was granted by the following source:
Material reprinted with the express permission of: Dr William Marshall (editor).

Biographical Sketch:  Dr. William (Bill) Marshall