Issue #34, Spring 2005

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

• THE NEVER ENDING SEARCH FOR THE MAGIC BULLET. THE EXCEL RESEARCH STUDY
  A new Phase III randomized study of exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, versus placebo in postmenopausal women at increased risk for developing breast cancer was publicly launched at the end of March.
  
  
• HARVARD RESEARCHER WITH INDUSTRY TIES RECEIVES $5.9 MILLION FROM DEFENSE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM
  A well-known cancer epidemiologist with ties to various industries has received a substantial grant for breast cancer research. Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) Professor Dimitrios Trichopoulos received an “Innovator Award” from the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (DoD BCRP) to explore fetal and early-life factors associated with adult breast cancer. Among other topics, the project will address whether exposure to hormones such as endogenous estrogens and insulin-like growth factorsa while in the womb may cause breast cancer years later.
  
  
• BE TRULY GREEN – REFUSE TO USE CHEMLAWN: A COMMUNITY ACTION CAMPAIGN OF THE TOXICS ACTION CENTER
  The desire for the perfect lawn, largely created by the pesticide and lawn care industry, is leading millions of households across the nation to expose their children, pets, and water supplies to toxic pesticides that threat- en public health and the environment.
  
  
• ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHY TOMORROW OFF AND RUNNING!
  MBCC remains an active participant in the work of the Alliance this spring. Keep an eye on our website (www. mbcc.org) for additional updates.
  
  
• ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION, AN OUTREACH INITIATIVE
  Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) and Women’s Community Cancer Project (WCCP) will begin to collaborate on an edu- cational outreach program called “Engaging the Next Generation” to area colleges and universities. The goal is to sustain and surpass the progress made in breast cancer aware- ness and advocacy. As breast cancer incidence rates have increased from 1 in 11 in 1974 to 1 in 7 in 2004, we are aware that all young women and men have been touched by the growing incidence of breast cancer.
  
  
• A TALE OF TWO REALITIES: FDA HEARS TESTIMONY ON THE RETURN OF SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS
  The FDA is considering bringing back silicone breast implants – to any- one who wants them. This means ads for breast enlargement with silicone could soon join the onslaught of televi- sion spots encouraging us to tell our doctors what medical procedures or treatments we need or want.
  
  
• PASSAGES
  The MBCC has lost some very dear friends and colleagues this spring.