No Family History presents compelling evidence of environmental links to breast cancer, ranging from everyday cosmetics to industrial waste. Sabrina McCormick weaves the story of one survivor with no family history into a powerful exploration of the big business of breast cancer. As drugs, pink products, and corporate sponsorships generate enormous revenue to find a cure, a growing number of experts argue that we should instead increase focus on prevention--reducing environmental exposures that have contributed to the sharp increase of breast cancer rates. But the dollars continue to pour into the search for a cure, and the companies that profit, including some pharmaceutical and cosmetics companies, may in fact contribute to the environmental causes of breast cancer. No Family History shows how profits drive our public focus on the cure rather than prevention, and suggests new ways to reduce breast cancer rates in the future. A fascinating window into the political economy of breast cancer--a disease diagnosed in 1 in 8 women today. Combines engaging personal stories and interviews with breast cancer patients, survivors, doctors, and activists, with current research and analysis. Explores the "cancer industry" and discusses popular awareness and fundraising methods, such as walks for the cure and pink products.

Introduction -- 1. What we do about breast cancer -- 2. How we got here -- 3. Where we might go -- 4. The new breast cancer concern -- 5. Fresh evidence -- 6. Under the skin -- 7. The way out -- Appendix : resource list -- References -- Index -- About the author.