Science Initiatives
BCPP translates the latest science to drive policy that prevents breast cancer before it starts. Scientific Evidence
Black Women & Breast Cancer
Black women have a 31% mortality rate from breast cancer, higher than any other race or ethnicity.
This is the first study to investigate premenopausal breast cancer, chemicals, and metabolic compounds in Black women who are pregnant. This study is conducted in partnership with Sequoia Foundation, Emory University School of Medicine, UC Berkeley, and California Black Health Network. For this project, BCPP will translate the study results for the public and policy makers to prioritize action on the most harmful exposures during pregnancy.
Water Pollution & Breast Cancer
Tap water is best – skip the plastic.
This is the first study to comprehensively examine water contaminants in communities with high breast cancer rates. Researchers also measured bottled water contaminants and found that the majority of toxic compounds detected in water samples came exclusively from bottled water. This is due in part to the presence of phthalate plasticizers used to make plastic water bottles that leach into the water. This study was conducted in partnership with UC Davis. To learn more about addressing water contaminants with filtration, see our filter guide.
Toxic Air Pollution, Plastics & Breast Cancer
Unrecyclable plastic and industrial chemicals in the air increase our breast cancer risk.
This is the one of the first large, long-term studies on air pollution among those who live in a diverse, urban environment. Researchers measured air pollutants near the home of 48,000 women and tracked breast cancer development over 20 years. They found that unrecyclable plastics such as vinyl chloride plastic and other industrial compounds were most associated with breast cancer risk. Black women had higher breast cancer risks compared to White women. This project was conducted in partnership with University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, San Francisco, University of Southern California, and Oregon State University. Read more about the study.
Plastic Medical Devices & Breast Cancer
BCPP sponsored the first successful statewide ban in the nation removing the phthalate DEHP from IV bags and tubes.
One phthalate plasticizer, called DEHP, is present in 40% of IV bags, and 70% of IV tubing, and leaches out of the plastic into the fluid within the plastic. Studies have shown DEHP reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and increases likelihood of cancer recurrence. This bill was sponsored in partnership with California Black Health Network and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Read more about the DEHP ban here.
Plastics & Breast Cancer
Some of the most harmful plastic chemicals associated with breast cancer are PVC, vinyl acetate, phthalates, bisphenols, and PFAS.
Plastic pollution is a pervasive problem in our lives that impacts our health, the environment, and climate. We are taking action to address the most harmful plastic chemicals related to breast cancer through policy aimed at PFAS, PVC, and phthalates in partnership with Natural Resources Defense Council, Californians Against Waste, and Clean Water Action. Read more about breast cancer and plastics, phthalates, PVC and BCPP actions on plastics.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors & Tips for Prevention
Breast cancer is a multi-factorial disease with both risk factors and protective factors.
We have reviewed hundreds of studies and created over 20 categories of breast cancer risk factors to inform the Breast Cancer Risk Factors Hub. We analyze peer-reviewed scientific literature to provide information based on the best available data. Two of the foundational risk factors are social and build environment and race, power, and inequities. These factors influence our chemical exposure and have a complex interplay with our biological factors. Learn more at Breast Cancer Risk Factors & Tips for Prevention.
Environmental Health & Justice Advocacy Trainings
We support marginalized communities in addressing environmental exposure and historically racist policies.
Biased historical practices have exposed minoritized communities to chemical pollution, toxic waste and limited access to housing, jobs, medical care, clean air and water, and affordable food. Together, these factors increase breast cancer risk. We partnered with Elevating Survivorship, The Patient Advocacy Foundation, and the South Chicago Breast Cancer Think Tank to bring Environmental Justice Advocacy training to this community. Read more about Environmental Justice and breast cancer.
Cleaning Chemicals & Breast Cancer
Cleaning chemicals such as phthalates and fragrances are associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Janitors and domestic cleaning workers face chemical exposures on a daily basis. Most employers don’t provide adequate personal protective equipment like gloves, masks, and eye protection, as recommended by cleaning product manufacturers. In a recent study in partnership with University of California, San Francisco, and University of California, Berkeley we found that women reported more health issues and less frequent use of personal protective equipment than men. Read more about cleaning chemicals and occupational exposure to chemicals.
“At BCPP, we study the health effects of hazardous chemicals to inform science-backed laws limiting industrial chemical use. This work prevents the most harmful chemicals from getting into the environment and into us.”
– Rainbow Rubin, BCPP Director of Science
Market & Policy Victories
BCPP has published over 30 science reports and led numerous policy and market victory efforts leading to protection from toxic chemicals.
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FEATURED VIDEO
BCPP: Exposing the Cause is the Cure
We're preventing breast cancer before it starts by eliminating our exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation.