The scientific evidence linking breast cancer to certain man-made chemicals was presented on 2 April 2008 by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and CHEM Trust in the European Parliament. Hosted by MEP Avril Doyle, the event attracted cross-party attendance from Members of European Parliament (MEPs), including MEPs Against Cancer and the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer, as well as representatives from the European Commission - DG Environment and from Europa Donna, the European breast cancer coalition.

Professor Andreas Kortenkamp, who heads the Centre for Toxicology at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, presented the compelling science summarized in the new report entitled “Breast cancer and exposure to hormonally active chemicals: An appraisal of the scientific evidence”. His scientific review focuses on the role of hormone disrupting chemicals, with particular reference to early life and multiple chemical exposures.

Professor Kortenkamp concluded his presentation of the new report by emphasizing that “we will not be able to reduce the risk of breast cancer without addressing preventable causes, particularly exposure to chemicals.” European Parliamentarians also had the opportunity to hear from two other prominent European experts: Dr Annie J. Sasco from the Bordeaux University and Dr Nicolas Olea from the University of Granada.

Afterwards, Avril Doyle led the debate on EU policy opportunities to reduce exposures to hormonally active chemicals involving Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Commission officials, key stakeholders involved in advocacy on breast cancer, scientists and journalists.

Participants included MEPs from the group MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) and the European Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer (EPGBC) and also to representatives of the European Commission - Health and Consumers Protection Directorate General and Directorate General Environment.

 More information and electronic publications are available on the Chemicals Health Monitor website