WASHINGTON April 16-22 is National Minority Cancer Awareness Week, and The Cancer Project wants to help minority communities spread awareness about the link between diet and cancer. More than a third of U.S. cancer deaths are due to poor diet. African-Americans are at particular risk of dying from cancer compared to other racial or ethnic groups.

"One of the easiest things a person can do to help prevent cancer and its recurrence is to eat right," says Jennifer Reilly, R.D., a senior nutritionist with The Cancer Project. "Fatty foods like meat, cheese, and oils can boost hormone levels and cause a rise in cancer-causing hormones in the body."

Scientific studies have shown that a low-fat vegetarian diet may cut cancer risk by 40 percent. Beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduce the risk of cancer and its recurrence with cancer-fighting antioxidants and phytochemicals.

The Cancer Project offers the following experts for interviews on cancer and diet:

Paulette Chandler, M.D., M.P.H.

Dr. Chandler practices internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and is a Harvard Medical School faculty member. She is also director of Natural Healing Pathways Inc., a nonprofit organization helping people with cancer and other chronic diseases. Dr. Chandler teaches The Cancer Project's free "Food for Life" cooking classes in Massachusetts.

Milton Mills, M.D.

Dr. Mills practices internal medicine at a Fairfax, Virginia, hospital and at free clinics in Washington, D.C. He is an expert in the use of a plant-based diet to reduce the risk of chronic disease and shares information about vegetarian nutrition with his patients. He is a popular guest speaker at churches, community centers, and hospitals around the country.

Ana Negron, M.D.

Dr. Negron practices at the Community Volunteers in Medicine clinic in Pennsylvania, which primarily serves the Hispanic community. She is a dynamic teacher and caring physician. Dr. Negron works with the Greens on a Budget program at her clinic, which brings doctors and patients together to discuss the benefits of plant-based foods, develop grocery lists, and share recipes.

For an interview with an expert from The Cancer Project, please contact Susanne Forte at 202-244-5038, ext. 339, or sforte@cancerproject.org.

The Cancer Project is a collaborative effort of physicians, researchers, and nutritionists who have joined together to educate individuals, families, and the public on the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival.

The Cancer Project
5100 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Ste. 400, Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-244-5038 | E-mail: info@cancerproject.org