Conference Purpose

The Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers (BCERC) network is conducting epidemiologic and biologic studies investigating the influence of early environmental exposures on pubertal maturation and mammary gland development and the potential of these developmental changes to alter the risk of breast cancer in later life. This scientific meeting seeks to build on the growing interaction between biologic and epidemiologic lines of research inquiry. The latest scientific findings from the BCERC and other relevant studies will be presented. Community participation and advocacy concerns will continue to be integrated into the program. Content will include the basic biology of breast development; environmental exposures that influence pubertal maturation, breast development and adult breast cancer; and public health communication of the risks associated with these exposures. Environment is defined to include diet, chemical and physical exposures, radiation and psychosocial factors.