Activists and cancer survivors are calling on the federal government to conduct a more thorough study of elevated cancer rates in seven Long Island communities.

A recent study conducted by the New York State Department of Health cited no environmental link to the so-called ?cancer clusters? in Coram, East Setauket, Miller Place, Mt. Sinai, Port Jefferson Station, Sound Beach and Port Jefferson. However, residents in those areas say the data used in the study was collected as many as 10 years ago and the site has not been surveyed since.

Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) is pushing for legislation authorizing $180 million over the next six years to create cancer research centers across the country, including Long Island. Cancer survivor Gail Frankel says securing federal funds is a step in the right direction. Related Information: Read the entire NYS Health Dept. Breast Cancer StudyStudy shows no environmental link to breast cancer clusters on LI