Breast Cancer and the Environment

Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEPH)

Breast Cancer and the Environment Part 1

Released 3/15/13

Experts: Sandra Haslam, Ph.D. and Richard Schwartz, Ph.D.

In Part 1 of this 2-part series, we talk to experts studying how the chemicals and other environmental factors we're exposed to early in life might contribute to the development of breast cancer later on.

Breast Cancer and the Environment: Part 2

Released 4/18/13

Experts: Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., President and CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund.

In Part 2 of this 2-part series, we talk to an expert about translating breast cancer research into the decisions we make in our everyday lives.

Experts

Sandra Haslam, Ph.D., is Professor of Physiology and Director of the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center at Michigan State University. She studies how hormones such as estrogen and progesterone control normal breast development as well as their role in breast cancer development. She is also investigating how women’s exposure to estrogen and progestins in the environment (through birth control pills and other products that contain hormone-disrupting chemicals) and adolescent obesity affect breast cancer risk.

Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., is Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the College of Natural Science at Michigan State University. He is a principal investigator in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program. His research focuses on the regulation of inflammatory factors. He is currently studying the role of diet and inflammatory processes in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis. Ultimately, this research aims to inform efforts to intervene in the occurrence of breast cancer.

Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., President and CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund, has led the organization to become a national leader in translating the science linking breast cancer and environmental exposures into public education and advocacy campaigns that protect health and reduce breast cancer risk. Ms. Rizzo is past chair of the California Breast Cancer Research Program Council and is a steering-committee member of the program's Prevention Initiative. She is also an appointed member of the National Institutes of Health's Interagency Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee and an advisory board member of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences breast cancer "Sister Study." She is a recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 Green Chemistry Environmental Leader Award.

For More Information

Breast Cancer & the Environment Research Program
Learn more about the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program, a multidisciplinary network of scientists, clinicians, and community partners co-funded by the NIEHS and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Breast Cancer Fund
Get to know the science of environmental exposures and find real-world tips for breast cancer prevention in your home and community.

CDC Breast Cancer Webpage
Find information about breast cancer data collection, health disparities, screening, research, and community programs from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

MSU Breast Cancer & the Environment Research Program
Read research findings and track ongoing research by the MSU BCERP.

National Cancer Institute
Discover information about breast cancer treatment, prevention, genetics, causes, screening, clinical trials, statistics, and research news.

NIEHS Breast Cancer Webpage
Find information and resources on breast cancer and the environment.

Silent Spring Institute
Learn about the work of this non-profit research organization dedicated to examining the links between the environment and women's health.

UNC Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program
Find breast cancer facts and outreach materials, including instructions and cards for a game of "Reduce Breast Cancer Bingo."

Zero Breast Cancer
Explore news, research, events, and the award-winning video, "The Breast Biologues," from the community-based organization Zero Breast Cancer.

References

¹ American Cancer Society, 2013. Breast Cancer: Key Statistics

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