THE PROBLEM: Exactly 50 years ago (1971), president Nixon declared war on cancer. During that time an astounding 90 billion dollars has mainly been spent on drug research. However, succinctly put: "we've been losing the war ever since". In fact, since 1971 cancer deaths have more than doubled from 300,00 to over 600,000! In addition, cancer deaths are on the trajectory of actually overtaking heart disease as this nation's number killer! (see chart).
THE PARTICULAR PROBLEM: Researchers at cancer centers have named the Southeastern region of the Unites States as the "cancer belt", having an 18% higher rate of cancer than the rest of the country (see chart). Our state, Alabama lies within the heart of this cancer belt! Furthermore, according to the Journal of Epidemiology, "...Cancer poses the highest clinical, social and economic burden among all human diseases." - with the South suffering the most! Therefore, in order to create some sense of relief and began to flatten the curve of this dreaded disease - it's definitely time for a paradigm shift!
CANCER'S SIMPLE SOLUTION -LIFESTYLE MEDICINE!
THE SOLUTIONS!
#1 Plant-based education!
The American Institute for Cancer
Research (AICR) is arguably the most respected source among experts worldwide on diet and cancer. This organization release their latest updates on cancer and diet stating, "Eating plant-based foods has been associated with a significantly reduced cancer risk and, overall cancer mortality."(1) In particular, based on 48 studies concerning this topic, plant-based consumption significantly reduce the risk of Breast cancer.
In addition, community will be informed of the one main food group that increases cancer as well!
However, just knowing what foods to eat without knowing how to prepare them without sacrificing taste and cost can be the missing link in reducing cancer diagnosis and mortality. Therefore, this point leads us to item #2 - "Cooking Instruction".
(1 ) Impact plant-based dietary patterns on cancer-related outcomes. Nutrients 2020 July; 12(7): 2010-2014
#2 Cooking Instruction!
Pictured above, Paula presenting a plant-based cooking class to the nursing staff at Clearview Cancer Institute. Instructional cooking to reduce cancer incidence and even mortality has caught the attention of AICR. In fact, this organization just launched an initiative called Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen (CCK) which use only whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes.
And, for the first time, this organization have investigated that a plant-based dietary intake was significantly associated with reductions of several cancer types, including breast, endometrial, kidney, liver, lung, prostate, colon and stomach.(2)
Fortunately, we have been teaching and presenting plant-based cooking schools throughout the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean for over 24 years!
(2) Nutrition and cancer research. Journal Academy Nutrition Dietetics, 2018 April 118 (4): 550-554
#3 Productive Garden classes!
THAT'S RIGHT! This is our third educational module. The scientific community has become aware of how horticulture (garden) therapy can be a valuable tool for cancer prevention, and improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. In fact, University of Alabama in Birmingham collaborated by the National Cancer Institute with Auburn University Master Gardeners launched the largest and longest study (2016-2022) evaluating the benefits for cancer survivors and home-based gardens.(3)
Preliminary results: a) A 91% retention rate was accomplished. b) Vegetables & fruit consumption increased. c) Participants added at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. By the way, we were a part of this actual study with three master gardeners assigned to us for a year. Furthermore, our raised-bed garden was so successful (picture above) that it was featured on the episode called Spotlight on Agriculture, aired on Alabama Public Television in 2019!
Closing thought: "While scientist have made medical advances to treat cancer, one of the best treatments maybe in your own backyard." Desmond Layne, PhD - Dir. Auburn University Dept. Agriculture.
(3) ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02985411
A large study of 22,041 healthy adults was conducted for 10 years by the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health to determine how diet impact cancer outcomes. Results: lead researcher Tomi Akinyyemiju, PhD says, "Of all the diets looked at, the 'Southern' diet (organ/processed meats, fried foods etc.) was associated with the highest cancer mortality with nearly a 2-fold increase risk." Therefore, since nutrition is one of the most changeable aspects of a person's lifestyle, our main educational modules must start here!
Abundant Living Center...
Will impact citizens of Huntsville (Alabama's fastest growing and now largest city), North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. Help us relieve suffering from cancer treatment, reduce cancer risk and recurrence, particularly the underserved by
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