WSU’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science will provide nutrition advice for cancer prevention
DETROIT – On Saturday, July 26, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Detroit Circle of Promise will be joined by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program Wayne County (BCCCP) and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute to host a free community event on Detroit’s Riverfront. A mix of inspiration and information, the family-friendly event will raise awareness about breast cancer, the alarming disparities that lead to higher death rates among African American women and what each of us can do to change that.
In the 2007 Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Mortality Report: Closing the Gaps in Eight Communities, Wayne County was identified as one of eight communities in the United States with an alarmingly high breast cancer mortality rate – 25th in the nation. Although more Caucasian women are diagnosed with breast cancer, more African American women die from the disease, often because they aren’t diagnosed until the disease is in the late stages. From 2000-2003 African American women had a 36 percent higher death rate, giving them the highest death rate and poorest survival rate of any other racial or ethnic group for breast cancer.
The event will bring people together to learn about life-saving services available to help close the gap of a late diagnosis leading to the start of late treatment. In addition, Wayne State’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science will be on hand to help visitors learn about healthy eating and lifestyles. Registered dietitians and dietetic students will be on hand to answer questions about the USDA Food Guide Pyramid food and activity recommendations.
“Nutrition plays a major role in the initiation and prevention of cancer,” remarked Dr. Catherine Jen, chair of WSU’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science. “There is strong evidence that breast cancer is linked to high intakes of energy and alcohol, low intakes of fruits and vegetables, as well as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. To reduce the risk of breast cancer or the recurrence, maintaining a normal body weight by reducing the intakes of fat, especially saturated fat and trans fat, increasing the intakes of fruits and vegetables, and increasing physical activity are strongly encouraged,” Jen added.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with entertainment and brief programs at noon and 3 p.m. Radio personalities Frankie Darcell from The Mix 92.3 and WJLB’s Foolish will be on hand to show their support. The event will feature “Big Pink,” from Komen On The Go™, an interactive, hands-on learning center with computer kiosks, vital information related to breast health awareness and inspirational videos. Visitors can share a special memory of a loved one or pledge their support on an eight-foot “graffiti wall.” BCCCP representatives will enroll eligible women for free breast cancer screenings and other experts will share healthy lifestyle information.
WHAT: Detroit Circle of Promise Community Event
WHEN: Saturday. July 26
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Special programs at noon and 3 p.m.
WHERE: Rivard Plaza, 1340 Atwater, in Detroit (Rivard south of Jefferson to Atwater)
COST: Free
FEATURING:
- Frankie Darcell from The Mix 92.3
- Foolish from WJLB and other local celebrities
- “Big Pink” Komen On The Go™ an interactive breast cancer learning center
- BCCCP enrollment for free breast cancer screenings
- Cancer experts from Wayne State’s Karmanos Cancer Institute
- Nutrition experts from Wayne State’s Department of Nutrition and Food Science
- Fellowship
- Music and prizes
- Face painting and a visit from the Detroit Tigers “Paws”
- Other surprises
For more information visit www.karmanos.org/detroitraceforthecure or call (800) KARMANOS.
Click here for an information flyer.
About Wayne State University
Wayne State University is one of the nation’s pre-eminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world.
About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, MI, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute is among the nation’s best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., is the Institute’s president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.
About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877-GO KOMEN.