SSI is named for the trend-setting 1960 book of renowned environmentalist Rachel Carson, who died from breast cancer at the age of 56. Founded in 1994 in response to the discovery o f elevated breast cancer rates on Cape Cod, SSI is a unique partnership of scientists, physicians, public health, and community activists pursuing collaborative, multi-disciplinary research into environmental causes of breast cancer. Approaching breast cancer from this distinctive point of view, SSI scientists have interviewed 2,100 Cape Cod women, and linked that data with a geographically-based information database; identified specific pesticides and other pollutants suspected of increasing breast cancer risk in indoor air and dust samples; and convened a national symposium to advance a strategic research agenda on breast cancer and the environment. Committed to active public involvement in research, the Institute connects local residents, community groups, regulatory agencies, scientists, and environmental organizations across the country to promote sharing of information. For its labors, SSI was honored in 2000 with an Environmental Merit Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can help them pursue this critically important research strategy.