Issue #24, Fall 2001

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

• New MBCC Mission Statement
  This issue of our newsletter marks the debut of our new mission statement. The original mission statement, created in 1991 when the MBCC was established, reflected the state of breast cancer in our society ten years ago.
  
  
• New MBCC Mission StatementPatients Bill of Rights A Sham for Patients
  Once again, conference committee members are left to iron out the differences on a patient’s bill of rights between the strong senate version, supported by breast cancer advocates, and the recently passed House version.
  
  
• STATE BUDGET REMAINS AT IMPASSE
  The House and Senate have been shuffling interim budgets to Acting Governor. Jane Swift's desk as negotiators take more time to work on a fiscal 2002 budget that is now over 2 months late.
  
  
• Against the Tide 2001
  Our ninth annual Against the Tide events were a great success. Swimmer support between the Hopkinton and Cape Cod swims, raised more than $184,000 dollars!
  
  
• A Closer Look at High Dose Chemotherapy
  We now know that high dose chemotherapy (HDC) has shown no survival advantage over standard dose chemotherapy for women with metastatic breast cancer.
  
  
• Living on the Edge
  One of BCA’s core principles is the recognition that structural changes in society are needed to accomplish our mission, which is to inspire and compel the changes necessary to end the breast cancer epidemic.
  
  
• Direct to Consumer Advertising
  The Hype That Can Hurt You
  
  
• Lowell Scientific Forum Sheds Light on Importance of Precaution
  On September 20 – 22, the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production and the Massachusetts Precautionary Principle Project were hosts to an innovative and informative scientific forum.
  
  
• Study Documents Chemicals that are Widespread Indoors: Reveals Gap in Our Understanding of Potential Health Effects.
  In April, Silent Spring Institute Published results of a new study describing methods for detecting over 80 endocrine disruptors and other controversial chemicals. These chemicals were targeted because they may be important for breast cancer and other public health research. The chemicals were detected in tests of seven homes, offices, and shops.
  
  
• PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE PROJECT TAKES OFF
  The new Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow After two years of preliminary groundwork, public education, and network building, the Precautionary Principle Project has "gone public."