Issue #23, Summer 2001

Stop the Epidemic is the Newsletter of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition

• STATE BUDGET PROCESS
  
  
• AGAINST THE TIDE Is Ready for the Challenge!
  Whether you’re a swimmer, a cheerleader, or you want to join in for a great day of sunshine and support, you will be warmly welcome!
  
  
• A Mother’s Wish
  I wish it could be as easy as lathering her with sunscreen, or protecting her eyes from harmful rays with cool looking shades. If it were only as simple as reminding her to stretch her muscles before her run or dance, or cautioning her to wear her seatbelt.
  
  
• Me? An Activist? Oh, I Don’t Think So!
  I never would have guessed that being diagnosed with breast cancer could have such a positive impact on my life. No, I’m not nuts and I’m not glad I have cancer. But my diagnosis has opened doors to many wonderful experiences, experiences I wouldn’t trade for anything.
  
  
• MBCC Loyal Supporters Acknowledged
  Donations arrive unsolicited in our office in support of the MBCC’s legislative advocacy efforts, educational projects and events.
  
  
• Going the Distance to Make Breast Cancer History
  – 2001 NBCC Advocacy Conference and Lobby Day
  
  
• NBCC Legislative Priorities for 2001
  List of priorities for 2001
  
  
• The Campaign to Protect Children’s Health and Development
  The Precautionary Principle Project partners’ focus on protecting children’s health and development is off to a strong start! Because children and developing fetuses are particularly vulnerable to long-term damage from chemicals that enter their bodies, protecting our children’s health is a precedence.
  
  
• Environmental Factors in Breast Cancer Research
  A study by Lichtenstein et al. published in the July 2000 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine found that approximately 27 percent of breast cancer risk is due to inherited genes with the rest attributed to environmental factors.
  
  
• Community Catalyst Prescription Access Litigation Project
  The development of tamoxifen (tamoxifen citrate) in the 1970’s dramatically improved treatment options for women with breast cancer.