Environmental risks of breast cancer in African American women

More African American women die of breast cancer than do white women. We do not yet know why, but scientists, including researchers at the Center for Environmental Oncology of University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) are working to find the reasons.

Like all Americans, African Americans should be concerned because there are many health hazards found in our everyday environments (homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, outdoors) that may cause cancer. The good news is that some of these exposures can be avoided. Many competing priorities can distract you from paying attention to these important environmental health issues.

Paying the bills, raising the kids and managing your health are all important priorities. But, too often, focus on day-to-day survival issues does not always leave people with enough time to become actively involved in the decision-making process that shapes our communities. For example, how does the local government decide where to locate a diesel bus garage, a trash dump or a company that makes plastic? Community involvement in these decisions can make a difference.

Many people feel powerless when it comes to environmental issues because there is so much that we cannot control. However, there are actions we can take to reduce our risk by learning what are avoidable environmental exposures. This pamphlet introduces you to basic environmental health and breast cancer concepts. Educating yourself on the issue helps you make more informed decisions about what you choose to eat and drink, and the products that you use in your homes, at work, and those you choose to use on your body (shampoos, soaps, perfumes, hair straighteners and dyes).