For More Information Contact:

Name: Amanda Hernandez, Cancer Free Economy Network

Cell: 617-431-6591

Email: hernandez@silentspring.org

During the teleconference, members of the Cancer Free Economy Network, cancer-focused, health professionals, and public health organization leaders will present an overview of the new Joint Statement on Cancer Prevention “Cancer and Health Leaders Call for Action to Reduce the Burden of Cancer by Reducing Environmental Risk Factors.”  This first-of-its-kind statement calls for using available science to ambitiously expand research, practice, and public policy to prevent onset of disease from environmental exposures.

It is now estimated that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Over two decades of science has advanced our understanding of how toxic chemicals contribute to the development of cancer. The Cancer Free Economy Network and partners seek to expand the definition of cancer prevention to include reducing hazardous exposures and to mobilize our society toward achieving that goal.

This call will feature notable speakers:  Margaret Kripke, PhD, Professor Emerita, MD Anderson Cancer Center – Jonathan Agin, JD, Executive Director, Max Cure Foundation – Darcie Green, BCPA, Executive Director, Latinas Contra Cancer – and Georges Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association. This discussion will be moderated by Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, MPH, Executive Director, Children’s Environmental Health Network and Co-Chair of the Health & Science Node for the Cancer Free Economy Network.

What: Teleconference on the Joint Statement on Cancer Prevention “Cancer and Health Leaders Call for Action to Reduce the Burden of Cancer by Reducing Environmental Risk Factors.” 30-minute presentation followed by live question and answer period.

When: Thursday September 17, 2020 – 11am EST, with Q&A to follow

Where: Zoom Webinar, please register.

Who:

• Nsedu Obot Witherspoon, MPH Executive Director, Children’s Environmental Health Network, Co-Chair, Health & Science Node,Cancer Free Economy Network (moderator)
• Margaret Kripke, PhD Professor Emerita, MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Jonathan Agin, JD Executive Director, Max Cure Foundation
• Darcie Green, BCPA Executive Director, Latinas Contra Cancer
• Georges Benjamin, MD Executive Director, American Public Health Association

Key Takeaways:

• 1. The Joint Statement, “Cancer and Health Leaders Call for Action to Reduce the Burden of Cancer by Reducing Environmental Risk Factors” seeks to shift the current paradigm to consider the environmental causes of cancers, and instigate the critical scientific, public health and policy steps required to protect our health and that of future generations. 
  2. Research shows that Indigenous, Black, and Latinx people, as well as recent immigrants and people with lower incomes are far more likely to work with toxic chemicals that increase their risk for cancer and are more likely to eat, drink, and breathe more toxic chemicals because of where they live.
  3. Organizations signing onto this Joint Statement on Cancer Prevention call on leaders in industry, government, policy, and health care to promote policies and practices that keep toxic chemicals out of our environment, our bodies, and consumer products, as well as places where we live, learn, and work.
  4. The Joint Statement calls for elevating the voices of vulnerable populations and disproportionately exposed communities, including workers, children, and advocates.
  5. This Joint Statement on Cancer Prevention release will be followed by the launch of a Childhood Cancer Prevention Initiative and Report release on September 23rd at 10am EST.