"The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating reports of an unusually high number of brain tumors diagnosed in Eastern Kentucky children. 

Beth Fisher, a spokeswoman with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, told the Lantern the state is “aware of reports concerning a potential increase in pediatric brain tumor cases.” 

It’s unclear how many cases are under investigation in that area. 

Several public social media posts indicate four to five recent cases of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) within a small area of Southeastern Kentucky. DIPG is a rare and incurable cancer mainly found in children around ages 6-7. Patients who have DIPG may have trouble walking, weakness or drooping in the face, blurred vision and other eye problems and other issues. Survival at two years is about 10%, according to DIPG.org, and 2% at five years."

Sarah Ladd reports for the Kentucky Lantern May 5, 2026. [2]