Genetic and Environmental Links to Cancer Explored at May 17 Public Forum

CINCINNATI—People who want to understand how environmental exposures can affect their overall health are invited to attend the fourth annual public forum on the environment and cancer offered by the Cincinnati Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center (BCERC).

The event—“Looking Upstream for Environmental Links to Breast Cancer”—is a resource for anyone who wants to understand how the environment might affect their risk for cancer and other diseases.

It takes place Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of Cincinnati’s (UC) Genome Research Institute, 2180 Galbraith Rd.

Author and breast cancer survivor Nancy Evans will give the keynote address. Evans is a health science consultant for the Breast Cancer Fund and the original editor of State of the Evidence: What is the Connection Between the Environment and Breast Cancer? She is also co-producer of the documentary films “Rachel’s Daughters: Searching for the Causes of Breast Cancer,” “Children and Asthma,” and “Good Food, Bad Food: Obesity in American Children.” Evans was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, and became a leader in the grassroots breast cancer movement.

In addition, Jennifer Ruschman, a researcher with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, will help attendees understand the links between genetics and breast cancer beyond their family medical histories.

Lisa DeRoo, PhD, of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), will explain the research goals behind a large research project being conducted nationwide—known as the Sister Study—designed to help scientists understand the genetic and environmental risk factors for breast cancer.

Established in 2003, the Cincinnati BCERC—one of only four such centers in the nation—is a joint research effort between the UC College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s. The BCERC’s work focuses on potential links between environmental factors, puberty and breast cancer, and on educating the community about its findings. The center is funded by a seven-year grant from the NIEHS and the National Cancer Institute.

The center has three primary projects: a laboratory research study looking at the effects of diet on mammary gland development; “Growing Up Female,” a local epidemiologic (population) study that focuses on environmental and genetic factors that might contribute to early onset puberty; and a community outreach and education program.

Researchers from UC and Cincinnati Children’s will give updates on these projects at the forum.

This year’s event is supported by the Breast Cancer Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, Interfaith Alliance, Patterns Inc., Pink Ribbon Girls and the Sisters Network Cincinnati.

Registration for the event is $15 and includes a buffet breakfast, educational materials and parking. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information, visit www.eh.uc.edu/growingupfemale or call (513) 558-0092.