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Protesters highlight environmental causes of breast cancer

In October, five women members of free radicals, a group campaigning to draw attention to the link between breast cancer and the environment, staged a dramatic protest outside the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters in York.

The media were told in advance that women would be baring their breasts outside the MAFF buildings in protest at the failure of the ministry to protect women from hormone disrupting chemicals in the environment. These occur widely, in particular in agricultural pesticides and herbicides, and are licensed for use in the UK by the Pesticides Safety Directorate, part of MAFF. They are believed to contribute significantly to the rising incidence of breast cancer in this country by disturbing the body’s regulation of oestrogen.

The protest drew considerable media attention — but the joke was on those drawn by the prospect of exposure: when the group, dressed in protective clothing, turned to face the cameras, they revealed plastic ‘joke’ breasts. The point was well made: breasts attract more attention than breast cancer, and even in ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ month, no attention has been given to prevention of the disease. Further free radical action is planned soon to highlight the shared responsibility of government agriculture, environment and health departments.

More information from Women’s Environmental Network: 0171 247 3327.