History and Accomplishments

1991:

The MBCC is founded by women concerned with the lack to attention to breast cancer. Massachusetts becomes the first state to declare breast cancer an epidemic.

1993:

The MBCC "Face to Face" photo exhibit makes a statewide tour to raise public awareness of the magnitude of the breast cancer epidemic.

1994:

The MBCC presents a 2-day conference on breast cancer and the environment.

1994:

The MBCC conceives the Silent Springs Institute, a research institute dedicated to examining the links between the environment and women's health and successfully advocates for state funding for an innovative environmental study of elevated breast cancer rates on Cape Cod.

1995:

The MBCC placed a full-page newspaper ad challenging National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a public relations ruse by the sponsors, who reap enormous profits from breast cancer.

1997:

Silent Spring Institute reports findings from Phase I of the Cape Cod and Breast Cancer Environmental Study.

1998:

The MBCC challenges National Cancer Institute's release of initial Tamoxifen clinical trial results as to its efficacy for healthy women.

1999:

The MBCC holds a conference on Breast Cancer and the Precautionary Principle, launching the first statewide initiative to incorporate the principle into policy.

2000:

The MBCC successfully advocates for a genetic privacy law in Massachusetts.

2001:

The MBCC successfully advocates for state funding for increased environmental research funding and breast and cervical cancer treatment for Massachusetts residents.

2003:

The MBCC successfully lobbies for access to screening and treatment
funding for low income and uninsured women of in Massachusetts