Protect Our Breasts Joins Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners is proud to announce the integration of Protect Our Breasts (POB) into our organization, marking a significant expansion in youth-focused environmental health education. Founded by University of Massachusetts professor Cynthia Barstow, POB works to gather newly published research and transform it into easy-to-understand information to help protect young people during their most vulnerable periods of life. To date, Protect Our Breasts has reached over 120,000 people through social media and its network of 50+ campus and community representatives and chapters. With this strategic partnership, we will unite BCPP’s expertise in science, market-based change, and public policy with POB’s proven success in engaging collegiate and high school communities to advance breast cancer prevention across campuses nationwide. Read more about this partnership, and learn more about our donors, the Jack and Goldie Nomberg Foundation, the Kanengiser Family, and the Peters Family, who make this program possible, in the spotlight below.
Three California Bills Tackling Microplastics, PFAS, and Food Packaging
BCPP is co-sponsoring three new California bills as part of our advocacy work to advance stronger health protections. To protect people from toxic microplastics, we are supporting AB 823, which would ban intentionally added microplastics in leave-on cosmetics, cleaning products, and household paint. To improve food safety, we are advocating for AB 1148, which would ban food packaging in California that contains any chemicals in the class of bisphenols or phthalates. And finally, to phase out unnecessary uses of PFAS “Forever Chemicals,” we are pushing for SB 682, which would ban unnecessary uses of PFAS in consumer products in the state. As cosponsors, we will educate policymakers, engage like-minded businesses and NGOs, and motivate the public to take action.
National Toxic-Free IV Campaign
BCPP continues our efforts to ensure PVC/DEHP-free IV bags and tubing through new market-based and legislative campaign activities. First, we are educating and organizing the support of nurses and other health professionals nationwide on the issue, through one-on-one conversations, speaking events, and presentations at annual conferences and meetings. We are also securing hospital pledges to switch to DEHP/PVC-free IVs – and to date, we have collected five signees, including CommonSpirit Health, the third-largest healthcare system in the U.S. Soon, we will launch a citizens’ petition to raise public awareness and demand for toxic-free medical devices. Stay updated on the campaign’s activities.
Luminary Gala Honorees and Upcoming Events
BCPP’s annual celebratory gala is underway! We are excited to commemorate this year by recognizing luminaries who display excellence and commitment to protecting people and the planet. Our honorees include: “Emerging Leaders” Assemblymember Lori Wilson, B. Braun, and CommonSpirit Health; “Pioneer in Prevention” Retired SFFD Chief Jeanine Nicholson; and “Community Activist” Professor Cynthia Barstow, Founder of Protect Our Breasts. Tickets are already sold out, but stay tuned for our 2026 celebration, where we will be upgrading to a larger venue!
Other upcoming events include:
- Hike for Prevention: Danville Ridge Hike: April 27th in Danville, CA.
- Climb Against the Odds: June 2-6 in Mt. Shasta, CA.
- Sacred Trek: Dolomites: Dolomites: June 21-29 in Dolomites, Italy.
- New England Peaks for Prevention: September 5-7 in Mt. Washington, NH.
BCPP’s New Look, Same Mission
As part of our efforts to improve BCPP’s accessibility and visibility to the general public, we redesigned our homepage and key webpages (Tips for Prevention, Current Initiatives, Consumer Guides, etc.) to be more clear, readable, and direct on who we are, what we do, and why prevention matters. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women worldwide and is now the leading cause of cancer death among Black women and all women ages 20-49. This alarming trend in breast cancer rates underscores the need to reach and connect with a broader audience on how to protect their health and reduce their risk of exposure to toxic chemicals and other exposures linked to the disease. View the new BCPP homepage.
Donor Spotlight: Protect Our Breasts
The transformative partnership between Protect Our Breasts and Breast Cancer Prevention Partners has been made possible through the generous support of the Jack and Goldie Nomberg Foundation, the Kanengiser Family, and the Peters Family. Their commitment to prevention education and youth engagement has been instrumental in bringing these organizations together.
“We are thrilled about the partnership between BCPP and POB, and believe it is the ideal alignment for this next chapter of POB’s journey,” says Kristin Gaul, Peters Family. “POB has had a profound impact on our family, transforming the way we approach our daily lives. By reaching young college students at a pivotal time in their lives, POB empowers them to become educated leaders in their communities, driving meaningful change for years to come.”
“In an era where environmental protections face unprecedented challenges, supporting education and advocacy programs like POB is more vital than ever,” says Sandra Kanengiser, JGNF President and Treasurer. “Young people not only understand the urgency of environmental health issues – they have the passion, energy, and determination to drive meaningful change. We believe that empowering the next generation with knowledge about environmental toxics and prevention strategies isn’t just an investment in public health – it’s an investment in the advocates we need right now to protect our collective future.”
We look forward to sharing mid-year updates on our initiatives. In the meantime, thank you for your partnership and commitment to breast cancer prevention. We couldn’t do this critical work without you.
