This paper aims to gain a better understanding of how communities of interest participate effectively in risk governance, particularly when the dominant discourse has tended to be dominated by science practitioners rather its publics.

One approach used to illuminate this understanding was the technique of participatory geographic information systems (specifically an approach termed geographic information systems for participation (GIS-P)), which was used here as a means to improve communication about possible environmental risks of breast cancer.

The merits and outcomes of applying this technique are investigated and the implications for wider participation in contentious 'scientific' issues discussed, with close examination of the mutual suspicion that persisted among the different communities of interest concerned about breast cancer causation.