6 Nurses at One Hospital Face Brain Tumor Diagnoses at Same Time

Why are nurses being diagnosed with brain tumors? Something unusual is happening at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts.

Several nurses working in the same maternity unit have been diagnosed with brain tumors, raising questions about their workplace safety.

This situation has caught the attention of both hospital staff and the public, as everyone seeks answers about what might be causing these health issues.

A Growing Number of Nurses With Brain Tumors

In early 2025, reports emerged that at least six nurses from the fifth-floor maternity ward at Newton-Wellesley Hospital were diagnosed with brain tumors.

All of these tumors were benign, meaning they were not cancerous.

However, some nurses believe the number of affected staff could be as high as ten, with a mix of benign and cancerous tumors reported over recent years.

The hospital interviewed 11 staff members, identifying six with brain tumors and five others with different health concerns.

The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), a union representing the nurses, has received over 300 responses from current and former hospital staff, suggesting the issue may be more widespread than initially thought.

The nurses are worried. One nurse, who chose to remain anonymous, told CBS Boston, “We want to feel safe, the same way we want to make our patients feel safe.”

She described the fear of going to work every day, wondering if something in the environment could be harmful.

Three nurses have already undergone surgery for their tumors, adding to the urgency of finding answers.

Investigating the Cause

The hospital began investigating in December 2024, working with the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, radiation safety offices, and external environmental experts.

They tested the hospital’s water, air quality, and radiation levels, following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The hospital’s findings, shared in April 2025, concluded that there were “no environmental risks” linked to the brain tumors.

They also noted that some diagnoses predated the COVID-19 pandemic, ruling out any connection to vaccines, despite rumors on social media.

However, the MNA disagrees with the hospital’s conclusions, calling the environmental testing “not comprehensive.”

The union is conducting its own investigation, collecting medical records and surveying staff to verify diagnoses.

They believe the hospital only interviewed a small number of nurses and may have missed critical factors.

The MNA is pushing for an independent investigation to ensure all possible causes are explored.

What’s Next for the Nurses?

The situation remains unresolved, with both the hospital and the MNA continuing their investigations. The nurses are calling for transparency and reassurance that their workplace is safe.

The hospital has held forums to address staff concerns and plans to share test results with the MNA.

Meanwhile, the union is urging other affected staff to come forward, emphasizing the need for a thorough and unbiased review.

This unusual cluster of brain tumors has sparked concern not only for the nurses but also for patients and the broader community.

As investigations continue, the hope is to uncover whether this is a tragic coincidence or if something in the workplace is putting staff at risk.

For now, the nurses at Newton-Wellesley Hospital are standing together, advocating for their health and safety while caring for others.

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