Brain Tumors in Nurses: Newton-Wellesley Hospital Under Investigation

Boston-Area Nurses Diagnosed with Brain Tumors: What’s Going On?

In Newton, Massachusetts, an investigation is currently underway at Newton-Wellesley Hospital after a concerning number of nurses—particularly from the fifth-floor maternal care unit—have developed brain tumors. One veteran nurse, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke out after her own diagnosis, revealing that around ten nurses from the same unit have experienced similar diagnoses in recent years. Some of the tumors were benign, while others were cancerous, and at least three nurses have undergone surgery.

The affected staff are deeply unsettled and feel that the hospital has not provided enough support or transparency. Their primary concern is safety—for themselves and their patients—and they’re now pushing for more answers.

Hospital officials acknowledged that they have been investigating the issue since December, interviewing ten nurses, six of whom had different types of brain tumors. Despite this, the hospital reports that no specific environmental risk factors have been identified on the fifth floor, citing a CDC-guided investigation that found no direct environmental link.

Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is conducting its own review, and nurses are calling for an independent investigation. Paula Ward from the Massachusetts Nurses Association expressed concern over the lack of communication and urgency, emphasizing that the nurses, who initially raised the alarm, feel like they’ve been left out of critical updates.

The case remains open and under active investigation.