The correlation between animal deformities and incidences of cancer locally has prompted CARF (Cancer Assistance Research Foundation) to redouble its efforts to find a solution to this problem.

CARF donated $400 to research consultant Dr. Jamie Bacon, who has worked tirelessly in determining if there is a connection between the abnormalities seen in the local toad population and incidences of cancer in the local population.

This year the amphibian project began research into how being reared in contaminated pods affects immune function in newly-metamorphosed toads (Bufo marinus). For the past seven years the Bermuda Amphibian Project has focused its investigations on the alarmingly high incidence of deformities in the island's cane toad populations.

When put in perspective, the deformity rate in Bermuda's adult toads is more than five times what is considered a normal background deformity rate. The resulting data shows the situation in Bermuda to be one of the most significant cases of amphibian deformities recorded worldwide.

Previous research suggested that immune function was being suppressed in both the island's toads and whistling frogs.

Says to Dr. Bacon: "Preliminary data indicated that immune function is being compromised and the metamorphic toads (ones that have transformed from tadpoles into toadlets) are showing signs of negative stress.

"We believe that immune system suppression, in addition to predisposing tadpoles to develop external deformities in the presence of contaminants, may be a reason why toads and terrapins are developing in their internal organs when exposed to pollutants."

Deformities aren't the only problem plaguing local toads, however. High morality and impaired thyroid function in tadpoles and newly metamorphosed toads and tumours and abnormal ovaries and testes in adult toads have also been observed. A series of collaborative laboratory studies has identified the environmental contaminants that are responsible, at least in part, for the deformities and declines seen in the island's toad populations.

Some who believe the only good toad is a dead one may not realise these bio-indicators suffer many of the afflictions that have stricken a percentage of the population. "CARF is very visionary and has the foresight knowing that we have to protect the environment in order to protect human health," said Dr. Bacon.

These results are supportive of what Dr. Bacon and her colleagues have observed in the field and after several toads and red-eared slider terrapins were collected. Necropsies were performed on 42 terrapins from five known contaminated ponds in nature reserves and three dozen toads collected from two golf courses and one public garden revealed:

n Sixty-nine per cent of the toads examined had either liver or gonad (ovaries and testes) abnormalities or both which comes down to four of 36 or 11 per cent had both afflictions.

n Thirty-three per cent had liver problems.

n Forty-seven per cent had gonad problems.

n Forty-two per cent were afflicted with both abnormalities.

Dr. Bacon explained the liver abnormalities observed included lesions, discolouration, oedema, cysts and tumours. The gonad abnormalities included necrotic ovaries, segmented testes and /or extra testes. These reptiles are also being harmed by pollution and that pollution is not an isolated incident.

"This is a very important finding and means that pollution may be affecting a variety of species in ways that we aren't aware of," Dr. Bacon added.

This could have implications for the island's endemic killifish, which are found in a number of ponds, in addition to our native diamondback terrapins and various species of birds, especially those that feed on invertebrates or fish that inhabit ponds.

Surveys must be completed by all and compared with other cultures. Are certain cancers genetic, environmental or triggered intake?

Dr. Bacon said she and her colleagues were hoping to hold talks with the Department of Environmental Protection over the next few months to discuss strategies for addressing the issue of pollution and how to negate its negative effects.

CARF provides assistance in three ways: financially, educationally and spiritually by instilling various methods of the "I CAN BEAT CANCER" approach.

Anyone wishing to know more about CARF and the work its does can e-mail the foundation at carfcan hotmail.com or log on to their web site www.carfinfo.com