Past Issues
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WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Our bodies are made up of many different kinds of cells that normally grow, divide and produce more cells when needed to keep the body healthy. Sometimes cells are abnormal and form more cells in an uncontrolled way. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can either be benign, which means not cancerous, or malignant, which means cancerous. Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors form in the breast tissue.
- One of the most common cancers in American women.
- About one percent of breast cancer cases occur in men.
- No one knows why some women develop breast cancer and others do not.
- Although younger women may get the disease, 75% of all breast cancer occurs in women age 50 or older.
- Five percent to 10 percent of all breast cancers are thought to be inherited.
- White women are at greater risk than black women. However, black women diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to die of the disease.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS?
- Having one or more of your close relatives (a sister, mother, or daughter) with breast cancer.
- Having no children or having your first child in your mid-thirties or later.
- Having your first menstrual period before age 12.
- Gaining weight after menopause, especially after natural menopause and/or after age 60.
WARNING SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple is pulled back into the breast.
- Ridges or pitting of the breast making it look like the skin of an orange.
- A change in the way the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels. For example, the skin may be warm, swollen, red, or scaly.
- Some women believe that as they age, health problems are due to "growing older." Because of this myth, many illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated. Don't ignore your symptoms because you think they are not important or because you believe they are normal for your age. Talk to your doctor.
BREAST CANCER PREVENTION THROUGH FITNESS AND NUTRITION?
- While ALL women are at risk, there are some tips to you can follow to reduce your risk of getting the disease: Healthy-eating: Try to fill 3/4 of your plate with plant foods—especially those that are bright colors. They are nutritious, filling, low in calories, almost no fat and great sources of antioxidants (See back for more information).
- Being physically active: 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week help reduce your risks for many chronic illnesses.
- Reducing/eliminating alcohol: Excessive drinking increases your risk of breast cancer.
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
- 1 T vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 T garlic powder
- 1 1/2 T chili powder
- 2 T Italian Seasoning
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red & yellow pepperANTIOXIDANT, chopped
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (ANTIOXIDANT)
- 1 can kidney or black beans (FIBER)
- 1 can pumpkin puree( ANTIOXIDANT)
- 1 1/2 cups water or broth
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and cook turkey until browned. Stir in the onions, peppers and spices and cook until the onion is soft. Mix in tomatoes, beans, pumpkin and water. Cook on low heat for another 20 minutes.
Quick Pumpkin Apricot Muffins
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk pancake mix
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 can apricots, drained and chopped.
- 1/2 cup each raisins and walnuts
Mix first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Add pancake mix, oats, fruit and nuts. Fill 12 greased muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 350° for 25 minutes.
What is a “Food of the Month”
Our “Food of the Month” is a product available in our Lowcountry
Food Bank's warehouses. It is one that meets our criteria of a healthy
food.
What is a LCFB's “Healthy Food”?
Healthy foods are fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meat and
poultry, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and foods that do not
contain excessive amounts of fat or caloric sweeteners.
How are our recipes designed?
Our recipes are designed with the clients of our agencies in mind:
those who are hungry and poor.
The recipes:
- Use ingredients common in Lowcountry kitchens.
- Are tasty and easy to prepare.
- Meet our criteria for a healthy food.
- Limit high priced herbs and spices which may included as optional
ingredients.
We’d Like to Hear from You
We encourage your comments. They will help us understand concerns and
interests of those who use “Eat Well; Be Well”. Please contact Germaine Hall Jenkins, Nutrition Coordinator at the Lowcountry Food Bank, (843) 747-8146 ext.. 113 or ghall@lcfbank.org.
Sources: www.mypyramid.gov, www.cahe.nmsu.edu, www.foodsthatkeep.com.
Check out www.allrecipes.com! This site allows you to find other healthy recipes for our food of the month and even customizes a recipe when you change the number of servings.
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