Fecal samples next frontier in fighting gentrification in city?
Gentrification has been linked to a range of possible health problems, including hypertension and increased stress. But now a West Philadelphia community group opposed to the construction of an apartment complex is asking neighbors for a most personal donation to determine if gentrification could increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
“Could you please donate your fecal sample (a fingernail size)?” asks a letter from West Philly United Neighbors that was distributed last weekend. “All equipment needed for you to collect the fecal sample by yourself at your convenience will be provided by us.”
West Philly United Neighbors, a registered community organization that is fighting a proposed development at 48th Street and Chester Avenue, said in the letter that the samples will be used to “investigate if the development would adversely affect the neighbors’ microbiota and increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.”
Naturally, people had questions. Some thought the letter was a gross prank. Others speculated whether it was some sort of psyops scheme hatched by the developer.
Dr. Ang Sun, president of West Philly United Neighbors, who signed the letter, said in an email Monday that he did not have approval from his employer, Temple University, to discuss the research.
On its website, West Philly United Neighbors says it is working with a “group of biomedical researchers from Temple University who are funded by the National Cancer [Institute] investigating the bad germs associated with irresponsible development in West Philly.”
“By collaborating with them,” it continues, “we are educating our neighbors and members that irresponsible development and gentrification may increase the gut microbes associated with colorectal cancer.”
Asked about the study on Monday, Temple spokesperson Raymond Betzner said the university’s Institutional Review Board had not yet reviewed or approved the research.
“Temple University has a human subjects review board, which includes faculty and community members, that is charged with ensuring the ethical conduct of human subjects research,” Betzner said in a statement. “This proposed study has not been reviewed by that board, which is a requirement . ... Temple University will address this matter within the policy guidelines of the university related to the responsible conduct for research.”
The National Cancer Institute did not immediately respond to questions about its involvement.
Sun, an anti-gentrification activist who has testified before City Council, said in his email Monday that recently he had received “vicious e-mails” and phone calls that he believes were from angered developers.