 Researchers at CES, recognized internationally for their work in cancer research, now look to focus the next phase of research on answering the question, “Why do Staten Island females have a higher rate of breast cancer incidence and mortality?”  CES has established the Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative, convening an interdisciplinary team of experts to spearhead this effort.

 Downwind from the largest petrochemical industry in the world  Brookfield and Richmond Terrace (EPA Superfund site)  Fresh Kills landfill:  50 years harbored the largest open dump  Study Area: Staten Island, NY

FEMALE BREAST IncidenceMortality Average Annual Cases Rate per 100,000 95% CI (+/-) Average Annual Cases Rate per 100,000 95% CI (+/-) Staten Island Bronx Brooklyn Queens New York NYS Department of Health,

 All cancers are caused by abnormal cell growth. Cells in our body grow, divide, and die continually. Some cells develop incorrectly and grow out of control.  With breast cancer these uncontrolled cells form a lump or tumor ( mass ). The tumor invades and destroys nearby tissues. If left untreated, cancer cells can break away from the tumor and travel, spreading cancer to other parts of the body.  Breast cancer can spread to the bones, lungs, brain, and other organs.

Factors You Can Control:  Diet  Exercise  Alcohol  Smoking  Sleep  HRT

Factors you cannot control:  Gender  Race  Increasing Age  Genetic History  Family Health History  Previous History of Breast Cancer  Early Onset of Menstruation/Late Menopause  Having Children Later in Life/No Children  Environmental Exposure  Dense Breasts

 Self-examinations  Clinical Examinations  Screening Mammography  Diagnostic Mammography  Breast Ultrasound  MRI  Biopsies

Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative Center for Environmental Science College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., 6S-310 Staten Island, NY