The Cancer Project

Research shows that up to 80 percent of cancers are caused by known factors, many of which can be controlled in some manner. What’s more, 30 to 50 percent of these cancer risk factors are related to food and eating habits. While medical research often focuses on the search for a cure, The Cancer Project seeks to help people prevent cancer and, when they are diagnosed with the disease, to survive and recover. The critical factor: a healthy diet.

Throughout the year, Cancer Project nutritionists and physicians evaluate the latest epidemiological and clinical research studies to help educate people on the best ways to prevent cancer. The results are published on the organization’s Web site, in a section called “News You Need.” The charity publishes The Survivor’s Handbook and puts out videos, fact sheets, public service announcements, and even a pilot TV show called Food for Life.

The Cancer Project also conducts clinical research studies and scientific literature reviews, testing the effects of dietary factors on cancer incidence, prevention, and survival. In the coming months, The Cancer Project plans to evaluate effective strategies for changing eating habits, using its own Food for Life Cooking and Nutrition Classes for Cancer Prevention and Survival as a way to effect diet change in individuals.

The Food for Life classes, which are designed by physicians, nutrition experts, and registered dietitians, offer information about how certain foods and nutrients work to promote or discourage cancer growth. Also included are simple cooking demonstrations that can be recreated easily at home. The goal is to empower cancer survivors, their friends, and their family members with easy-to-implement cooking skills that turn every meal into a delicious dose of healthy nutrition.

In celebration of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Cancer Project is holding a special cooking class series in 21 cities throughout the United States. “Most Americans have no idea that good nutrition plays such a key role in breast cancer prevention and survival,” says Jennifer Reilly, R.D., managing director of The Cancer Project. “One of the easiest things a person can do to help prevent breast cancer and its recurrence is to eat right.”

These special Food for Life classes will provide life-saving information about good nutrition and plenty of tips on how to get started by cooking delicious vegetarian meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

For more information, visit www.cancerproject.org.

Each month the Council on Humane Giving profiles a health charity that displays the Humane Charity Seal of Approval on its website or literature. Please consider showing your support by writing a letter of thanks or giving a donation, and be sure to tell your friends, family and coworkers about this outstanding health charity.

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