Max Beer

About 14 years ago Deena and I attended the first World  Breast Cancer Conference at Queen’s University in Kingston. During the four day conference, one day was devoted to environmental issues and to the possible links between chemical toxins and breast cancer. How times have changed!  This year at the Sixth World Breast Cancer Conference I noticed how the presence of corporations has influenced the agenda of the convention. There was very little talk of the environment and, aside from a few lectures given by activists, most discussions centred on cures, research developments, lifestyles, genetics, fundraising and various other issues – but there was little on primary prevention.

At a plenary session given by Fran Visco, activists spoke up to voice their disapproval with the direction the conference has taken. A representative from Prevent Cancer Now urged that environmental issues be addressed. He mentioned that the breakfast given to delegates was probably loaded with more fat than a meal at MacDonald’s. A surgeon from Jordan questioned the continued reliance on a “cut, burn, poison” policy that is still being used in his country and urged a closer examination of environmental factors. Deena replied that our talk (being given later that day) would deal with chemical toxins in personal care products. She said companies are able to put harmful chemicals into cosmetics under the guise of trade secrets. She also mentioned that breast cancer activists needed the support of more people like Fran Visco to promote research into primary prevention.

Later that afternoon, Deena and I presented our talk, “The Beast of Beauty: Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics.”  The lecture was well attended and we got excellent feedback.

Sixth World Breast Cancer Conference