On October 8, 2008, Congress passed the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act . The Act required the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Interagency Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee (IBCERCC) of federal and nonfederal members to examine the current state of breast cancer and the environment research and make recommendations for eliminating any knowledge gaps in this area.
The IBCERCC was charged with:
- reviewing federal research efforts concerning the environmental and genomic factors related to breast cancer;
- identifying scientific advances in breast cancer research and outlining key research questions, methodologies, and knowledge gaps;
- developing a comprehensive strategy for accelerating transdisciplinary, innovative, and collaborative research on breast cancer and the environment across federal agencies and in partnership with nonfederal organizations; and
- determining how to increase public participation in decisions about breast cancer research and the optimal mode of dissemination of information on research progress.
Based on its review of the state of the science, current programs and investments by federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and relevant communication efforts and policies, the IBCERCC has provided a comprehensive report summarizing its findings and seven recommendations to highlight the need for coordinated, targeted efforts to identify and mitigate the environmental causes of breast cancer.
Report of the Interagency Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee
- Breast Cancer and the Environment: Prioritizing Prevention (5MB) - four page summary of the committee's recommendations
- IBCERCC - Full Report (5MB)
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