Date of Graduation

Winter 12-18-2026

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Public Health

First Advisor

Kyle Knight MPH, MSN

Abstract

The United States’ federal government should adopt a primary prevention framework for breast cancer modeled after Breast Cancer Prevention Partners’ (BCPP) Paths to Prevention: the California Breast Cancer Primary Prevention Plan. The plan focuses on systemic actions to reduce breast cancer risk through a social and racial justice lens. Breast cancer is the leading diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, with incidence rates increasing annually by 1% since 2012. Disparities persist in communities disproportionately burdened by chemical and environmental exposures, contributing to unequal and preventable risk. Current federal policy focuses primarily on secondary prevention through screenings, which does not prevent disease onset. BCPP has identified 23 risk and protective factors through evidence-based research, including chemical and environmental exposures. Low-income communities and communities of color bear the greatest cumulative exposure burden to these modifiable risk factors. To address these health inequities, California developed community initiatives and policy solutions in Paths to Prevention with research and community experts from highly impacted communities. The status quo would be a continuation of detection- and treatment-focused federal policy, whilst a federal prevention framework modeled on Paths to Prevention would provide an equitable and impactful alternative to reduce breast cancer incidence. California has proven with various legislative wins banning toxic chemicals linked to breast cancer that political action is achievable. Coupled with legislative precedent and a robust body of scientific evidence on preventable risk factors and known disparities in disadvantaged communities, the federal government must now adopt a comprehensive breast cancer primary prevention framework that protects those most vulnerable to chemical and environmental exposures.

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