"Critics claim the leading breast cancer research group is in the pocket of its BPA-happy sponsors."
"If you've ever bought something pink to support breast cancer research, there's a good chance a portion of the money went to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest nonprofit in the world solely dedicated to eradicating the disease. Famous for its fundraising races and pink gear, the foundation has been fighting breast cancer for three decades. So it may come as a surprise that Komen has posted statements on its website that dismiss links between the common chemical bisphenol A (BPA) and breast cancer, even while funding research that explores that possible connection.
BPA is found in all manner of consumer goods, from plastic water jugs to receipts to the liners of food cans. Critics have pointed out that Komen receives generous donations from private industries who use those same chemicals in their products, and who also downplay health concerns. Is that what's driving Komen's position on BPA? 'Absolutely not,' said Katrina McGhee, Komen's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. In multiple interviews with Mother Jones, Komen executives were adamant that their sponsors have no effect on any of their policy decisions.
'I want to be very clear,' said Komen President Elizabeth Thompson. 'We are not influenced at all by any subpart of any one of our funders.'"
Amy Silverstein reports for Mother Jones October 3, 2011.
