Homework 1 Assignment

Distributed September 29, 2009

Due October 18, 2009

Dr. Neubauer

Please read the following news reports available online.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/09/25/marines.breast.cancer.folo/index.html

http://campbellbrown.blogs.cnn.com/2009/09/28/poisoned-patriots-part-2/#more-1661

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/malebreastcancer.html

Twenty retired Marines or their sons have been identified as having male breast cancer. Each of the Marines was stationed at Camp Lejueune. Based on CNN news reports, Frank Bove, an epidemiologist with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, said the level of contamination in one sample taken at Camp Lejeune was "the highest I've ever seen in a public water system in this country." As many as 500,000 people may have been exposed to the contaminated water over a period of 30 years. Male breast cancer strikes fewer than 2,000 men per year in the United States. I understand from a news report that about $1,000,000 has been expended trying to answer the question of whether or not these Marines contracted breast cancer as a result of their military service. So far, the answer is not conclusive and, therefore, they are receiving no compensation as a result of their conditions. There is in fact a great uncertainty here. The consequences are very high for the Marine Corps also. If these men and/or their family members were compensated there would probably be a flood of demands from other former Marines and their families who have some form of cancer.

As a student of epidemiology, if you had the resources and authority, how would you approach the question of whether or not these Marines and their families are suffering as a result or military service or not? I am look for a three or four page (12 point font, double spaced) essay that reflects your understanding of some of the concepts in our textbook. Your essay should include a list of the key questions you would seek answers to in pursuit of the answer to the ultimate question indicated above. Cite your sources in an appropriate way.