Happy Summer! We’re excited to share this mid-year impact update with you—one made possible through your generous support and partnership. In this brief report, you’ll find highlights from our signature programmatic and outdoor events, promising legislative updates, and a powerful personal story about male breast cancer.
Thank you for being such a vital part of these accomplishments. Your commitment helps drive our mission forward every day.
What’s Next: California Bills Tackling Microplastics, PFAS, and Food Packaging
In June, BCPP and our bill cosponsors took big steps forward for consumer protection against toxic chemicals. Two BCPP-cosponsored bills, the CA Safer Food Packaging Act of 2025 (AB 1148) and the Protecting Californians from Toxic Plastic Microbeads bill (AB 823), passed the Assembly vote. AB 1148, which bans intentionally added microplastics in leave-on cosmetics, cleaning products, and household paint, passed the Assembly floor by a final vote of 63 -10 (6 not voting). AB 1148, which bans food packaging that contains any chemicals in the class of bisphenols or phthalates, passed the Assembly floor by a final vote of 55-11 (13 not voting). A third BCPP cosponsored bill, SB 682, that bans PFAS in six categories (cleaning products, cookware, food packaging, juvenile products, dental floss, and ski wax), passed the Senate floor by a final vote of 28-7 (5 not voting).
All bills move to the next vote in August. Follow along to stay updated on the bills’ progress and ways you can support our efforts!
Upcoming: National Press Conference on July 17th
BCPP will take the lead on reintroducing our Safer Beauty Bill Package in the new Congress. These five federal cosmetic safety bills consist of the Toxic-Free Beauty Act, the Cosmetic Fragrance and Flavor Ingredient Right to Know Act, the Cosmetic Safety Protections for Communities of Color Act, and the Cosmetic Supply Chain Transparency Act. The bill package provides a platform to continue discussing the toxic exposures and health effects problems that need addressing through federal cosmetic safety protections and our proposed solutions.
On July 17th we will be holding a virtual press conference to support the reintroduction of our Safer Beauty Bill Package. To prepare for this important moment, BCPP is working closely with our Safe Cosmetics Leadership Circle of leading clean beauty and personal care brands – providing these industry leaders with a briefing on the situation, media training, and a robust press packet.
Climb Against the Odds 2025
While BCPP usually reports on breast cancer policy and science, we also celebrate the outdoor challenges passionate individuals take on to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer prevention. In June, 18 climbers gathered at Mt. Shasta to set off on a mountaineering expedition in the name of prevention. They faced their fears, altitude, wind, and the pains of the climb, raising over $178,935 to support our bold mission of reducing exposures to toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer.
Every dollar donated powers our vital work in eliminating the environmental causes of breast cancer. Read about their journey and help the team reach their goal of $200,000.
Other upcoming outdoor challenges include:
- Sacred Trek: Dolomites: Dolomites: June 21-29 in the Dolomites, Italy.
- New England Peaks for Prevention: September 5-7 in Mt. Washington, New Hampshire.
Science Corner
We redesigned and built out BCPP’s web resources on our Science Initiatives, as part of our continued efforts to make our website more clear, readable, and direct on who we are, what we do, and why prevention matters. Science translation and communication are critical tools that ensure we are using the most accurate and up-to-date scientific findings when we create laws protecting our health and the environment. Learn about our current Science Initiatives, which include investigating the links between breast cancer and plastics; land use and zoning; water and air pollution; medical devices, and more.
Spotlight: Male Breast Cancer – One Guy’s Story
Meet Eric and learn about his story as a male breast cancer survivor. When Eric noticed a lump in his chest, he never imagined it could be cancer. “Denial was easy. Facing it was harder.” But his story reminds us that early detection saves lives.
Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. Men account for about 1% of all breast cancer cases. It may be rare, but it’s real – and silence around it can be deadly.
As Eric says, “If you find a lump in your chest, don’t blow it off. Don’t wait. Don’t let embarrassment get in the way of saving your own life.” Read Eric’s full story.
BCPP’s Luminary Gala: 2025 Recap & 2026 Save the Date
On May 8th, over 300 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco. We honored five changemakers, including retired SF Fire Chief Jeanine Nicholson, Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, Cynthia Barstow (founder of Protect Our Breasts), and our organizational partners B. Braun Medical Inc. and CommonSpirit Health. BCPP’s CEO Suzanne Price and Board Member Parul Somani delivered heartfelt remarks that underscored the urgency of our prevention mission and the importance of protecting future generations. We celebrated with so many passionate supporters and raised $524,000 for prevention – making this BCPP’s most successful gala to date!
Thank you to our event sponsors and table hosts who made this evening a resounding success. View the gala photos and join them in protecting our future.
Save the date! Our 2026 gala date and location are set, and we’re upgrading to a larger venue. Formal invitation and individual ticket levels coming soon.
Thank you again for your belief and support of this crucial work. As always, if you’d like to learn more about or have any questions regarding our programs or events, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
