1.  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.

2.  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

3. FEMALE BREAST IncidenceMortality Average Annual Cases Rate per 100,000 95% CI (+/-) Average Annual Cases Rate per 100,000 95% CI (+/-) Staten Island 357.4126.85.967.623.32.5 Bronx767.2104.93.3169.422.61.5 Brooklyn1466.4103.72.4333.622.91.1 Queens1440.0106.92.5289.020.41.1 New York1246.6133.83.4228.023.31.4 NYS Department of Health, 2012 www.health.ny.gov

4.  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.

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

6. 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

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

8. Staten Island Breast Cancer Research Initiative Center for Environmental Science College of Staten Island, 2800 Victory Blvd., 6S-310 Staten Island, NY 10314 718-982-3920 sibcri@csi.cuny.edu http://www.library.csi.cuny.edu/sibcri