02/22/2007: "SJC: Highest Incidence Of Breast Cancer In WA"

Some islanders are asking why so many of their friends, family and acquaintances are afflicted with cancer. A local group points out that that last year, San Juan County had the highest incidence of breast cancer in Washington State, while Washington had the highest incidence in the US. The leukemia incidence in the county is also reported to be high. (See http://statecancerprofiles.cancer.gov/incidencerates/ and select Washington State and breast cancer. This year, we're number 2.) High cancer rates are hardly what one would expect in a county noted for its beautiful natural environment, and a total lack of heavy industry.

Wilma Munsey and Alison Longley are members of Islanders for a Healthy Environment/SJC Cancer Detectives, which is presenting the first of two Spring lecture/discussions on the possible causes of cancer and other chronic diseases and what one can do, individually and together, to protect themselves.

The speaker will be Steven Gilbert, PhD, author of "A Small Dose of Toxicology". The well-received talk by the same name which he presented at the FH Grange 2 years ago is available on DVD from the San Juan Library.

Dr. Gilbert's talk, "Chemicals in our Lives: Dealing with the Poisons in our Environment- Success Stories, Current Actions, and the Precautionary Principle", sponsored by the Mullis Center, is Sunday, February 25th, 2 pm at the Mullis Community Senior Center. As an aid to discussion following the talk, light refreshments will be served. This event is free, and donations will be accepted. Dr. Gilbert's website is www.asmalldoseof.org.