The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70866

Phil Brown, PhD¹, Sabrina McCormick, MA, Brian Mayer, MA¹, Stephen Zavestoski, PhD³, Rachel A. Morello-Frosch, PhD, MPH⁴, Rebecca Gasior, BA¹, and Pamela Webster, PhD⁵. (1) Department of Sociology, Brown University, Box 1916, Providence, RI 02912, 410.863.2633, Phil_Brown@brown.edu, (2) Department of Sociology, Providence College, Providence, RI 02912, (3) Center for Environmental Studies and Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Brown University, 135 Angell Street, Box 135, Providence, RI 02912, (4) University of RI, Kingston, RI 02881

Changing scientific knowledge is often difficult to detect. It manifests in different ways, often as challenges to research foci or scientific protocol. Breast cancer epidemiology research is one area of science where the dominant research paradigm is currently challenged, and paradigmatic shifts beginning. By drawing on interviews with 37 scientists and activists, 10 ethnographic observations of a cutting edge scientific research organization, and an extensive review of the literature, we create a three dimensional model to situate controversy about what, when, and how environmental factors may promote breast cancer. Specifically, we identify three paradigm challenges posed by activists to scientists: 1) to move debates about causation “upstream” in order to address the cause; 2) to shift emphasis from individual to modifiable societal level factors beyond an individual’s control; and 3) to allow direct lay involvement in research, which may raise new questions, and change how questions are approached, , the methods used, and even the standards of proof. We aim to understand what impedes our ability to construct a new body of knowledge about environmental factors in human illness. The unusual challenges faced by researchers connecting environmental factors to health outcomes have motivated new methodologies and new scientific norms.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• Identify the scientific and policy challenges in research on environmental factors in breast cancer.
• Evaluate the state of current efforts in this field.
• Propose novel approaches for citizen-science alliances in this field.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Community Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.