Legislation Would Explore Link of Environment to Breast Cancer

Legislation has been introduced that would have the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences establish research centers to study the link between breast cancer and the environment.

The "Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act" would establish up to eight centers around the country with funding of $30 million each year for the next five years.

"For many years, scientists have researched the genetic variations that can lead to breast cancer, but the environmental causes have been largely ignored," said Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.), lead sponsor of the Senate bill. "Once these environmental factors are determined, we might one day be able to provide women with information about what environmental factors they should avoid."

The legislation would also give researchers the tools to study the many reported clusters of breast and other cancers throughout the country.

Reps. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) and Sue Myrick (R-N.C.), a survivor of breast cancer, are sponsoring the legislation in the House.

Other sources: Reuters