October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Lots of pink ribbons show up this time of year as Breast Cancer Awareness Month arrives in October. Much of that focus is devoted to breast cancer treatment and detection. A focus on prevention provides each and every one of us with active steps that we can take to prevent cancer development or improve our chances of survival if cancer strikes.

Safety in every day life

What do you do when traveling in your car in attempt to keep yourself safe from harm?

• You wear your seatbelt –of course!!

What do you do when you are on the beach to prevent the harmful rays of the sun from permanently damaging your skin?

• You wear sunscreen – of course!

What do you do to prevent yourself from the diseases of Modern Western civilizations (cancer, heart disease, diabetes etc.)?

• You eat a healthy diet consisting of mostly (or all) whole plant based foods!

Not a popular recommendation

Americans have become accustomed to eating cheeseburgers, french fries and soda pop. Despite the obvious connection between Americas poor eating habits and our declining health status, industry lobbyists representing meat and dairy have prevented strong recommendations from the US government suggesting we reduce our intake.

American Cancer Society recommends eating a plant based diet

The American Cancer Society published such recommendations on February 13, 2015. These recommendations stated that cancer survivors should follow “prudent diets,” plant-based diets that are high in fruits, vegetables and unrefined grains while at the same time being low in red and processed meats, refined grains, and sugars.

Other evidence based organizations have published similar recommendations. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM.org) has also published recommendations: Six Tips to Reduce the Occurrence of Cancer

1. Avoid dairy products to reduce risk of prostate cancer.
2. Limit or avoid alcohol to reduce the risk of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, colon, rectum, and breast.
3. Avoid red and processed meat to reduce the risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.
4. Avoid grilled, fried, and broiled meats to reduce the risk of cancers of the colon, rectum, breast, prostate, kidney, and pancreas.
5. Women should consume soy products in adolescence to reduce risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors should consume soy products to reduce risk of cancer recurrence and overall mortality.
6. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to reduce risk of several forms of cancer.

FREE Resources!

The Physicians Committee has generously provided FREE access to a downloadable copy of “The Cancer Survivors Guide”. This guide provides a wealth of evidence based recommendations as well as practical information and recipes.

Resources available in Havre de Grace

“Food for Life” classes designed by the Physicians Committee are offered in downtown Havre de Grace. Barbara Wagner, RD, LDN has a Plant Focused Private Practice and classroom on the second floor of Bahoukas GreenJoy at 467 Franklin Street (corner of Franklin and Union). “The Power of Food for Cancer Prevention and Survival” will be held starting October 16th on four Friday evenings from 6:30 – 8:30. In each class, half of the workshop will be devoted to learning about why certain eating patterns are protective regarding cancer. In the second half of each class the instructor will show you how, by preparing food and sharing with the class attendees. Class size is limited to a maximum of 18 students so sign up today!!