This discussion explored the link between cancer and environmental contaminants known to interfere with the endocrine system. We heard presentations on the definition of epigenetics and recent research on the science of estrogenic chemicals such as diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug frequently prescribed to prevent miscarriages in pregnant women in the mid-1900s, as well as bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely used in certain types of plastic, and how exposure to these chemicals at particular windows of development may lead to an increased risk of developing fibroids, cancer and reproductive health problems later in life.
Michael Lerner, President of Commonweal, moderated this call, and we heard a science update from Pete Myers, PhD, CEO, Environmental Health Sciences.
Featured Presentations
- Ana Soto, MD, Professor, Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Tufts University
- Donna Baird, PhD, MPH, Reproductive Epidemiologist, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- Gail Prins, PhD, Professor of Physiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Urology
- Cheryl Walker, PhD, Professor, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Science Park Research Division, Department of Carcinogenesis