Breast Cancer Action Montreal (BCAM) is a non-profit community group of women and men who are sensitized to the trauma of breast cancer. BCAM educates the public about environmental toxicants and their links to breast cancer, and advocates for stricter industry regulation and stronger government policy regarding toxic chemicals in consumer products that put women at greater risk for the disease. Our work aims to improve the quality of life for women with breast cancer now and to prevent or reduce its incidence for future generations.

BCAM

Projects

BCAM wants the safety of cosmetics and personal care products to be improved and we provide information about dangerous ingredients so you can make informed decisions. BCAM offers opportunities for action as well as educational workshops about safe cosmetics for youth and adult audiences. Call to book!

BCAM's Bulletin is a lifeline to members, providing news of BCAM activities, upcoming events related to breast cancer, original reports on breast cancer, events, opinion pieces by BCAM members, book reviews, and more.

FemmeToxic's goal is to educate young Canadian women about the potential dangers of cosmetics ingredients and provide people with the tools they need to create personal change and to influence national legislative reform. Refuse to be “toxified”! Demand safer cosmetics!

Becoming a Chemical Detective, provides a framework for recognizing the risks of environmental chemicals in our homes. While relevant for everyone, Becoming a Chemical Detective is particularly designed for potential and new parents, emphasizing risks posed during the vulnerable stages of pregnancy, infancy, early childhood and adolescence.

What's happening

PATIENTS BEFORE PROFITS & PATENTS: Does a private company have the right to patent breast cancer genes?

Did you know that one company, Myriad Genetics, owns the exclusive rights for two genes linked to breast and ovarian cancer?

On April 15th 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard arguments for a lawsuit from plaintiffs including scientists, doctors, genetic counsellors, cancer patients, and the American Civil Liberties Union, all of whom are defending the claim that a patent on the BRCA 1 and 2 genes tied to breast and ovarian cancers are unconstitutional and invalid. 

BCAM agrees with them. We in Canada should know more about the laws regarding gene patents, and what the plaintiffs are fighting for, because the ruling will have a tremendous impact on cancer patients now, and in the future.

We spoke with Karuna Jaggar, the Executive Director of Breast Cancer Action in San Francisco, which is the only non-profit breast cancer organization involved in the lawsuit as a plaintiff. The Supreme Court will reach a decision near the end of June 2013; but there is still a lot the public can do to support the plaintiffs and keep informed about the issues surrounding this case.

May 8 2013 - 1:08pm

Statement by Breast Cancer Action Montreal in support of Dr. Sandra Steingraber

CIVIL LIBERTIES, HUMAN RIGHTS April 22, 2013

The recent arrest and current imprisonment of internationally-acclaimed biologist, author and environmental activist DR. SANDRA STEINGRABER for an act of civil disobedience demonstrates a clear disregard for civil liberties.

Apr 22 2013 - 5:35pm