While October is usually known as the month of candy, trick-or-treating and Halloween costumes, it is also important because it is Breast Cancer Awareness month; instead of wearing orange and black, don your pink attire. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into and invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it too. The National Cancer Institute estimates that roughly one-third of all cancer deaths may be diet related. The following foods have the ability to help prevent cancer and some even help inhibit cancer cell growth or reduce tumor size:
-Avocados block intestinal absorption of certain fats.
-Carrots help reduce a wide range of cancers- like breast cancer.
-Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer causing substances.
-Garlic increases the activity of immune cells that fight cancer
For more foods that can help prevent breast cancer go onto cancure.org. On Everydayhealth.com Dr. Oz offers other ways to prevent breast cancer.
-Keep your body mass index under 25.
-Walk 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
-Stay away from alcohol beverages and smoking.
-Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
There are also plenty of opportunites to help fight breast cancer on campus. David Carreas, operations director for dining services said the dining halls have been serving pink cookies for five years in all service locations on campus.
“It’s a program run by Sedexo and we run it because it’s a great program” Carreas said.
The pink cookies are made by Otis Spunkmeyer, which will donates at least $100,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in connection with the pink cookie program. The Women’s Center on campus is also supporting breast cancer awareness. They are not only hosting their own events on campus but are supporting others as well.
“The Women’s Center specifically wants to raise awareness of breast cancer in people of all races and genders,” junior Cara May said. “We want to bring to light some restrictions of access to care and help eliminate those restrictions.”
Cara May also said 100 percent of proceeds made at Women’s Center events goes to Breast Cancer Action. On October 20 at 1 p.m. Theta Phi Alpha and the Ramapo baseball team will hold the third annual Home Run Derby on the baseball field at Ramapo.
“The main attraction is the home run derby itself, which is a home run contest between members of the baseball team and and others in attendance at the event who would like to,” president of Theta Phi Alpha Carolyn Kane said. “One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.”
On Oct. 21 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Colleges Against Cancer is holding the Pink Tie Formal at Friends Hall. The door fee is $5 per person, which also goes to American Cancer Society. Make sure to check out these events to help bring awarenss to the fight against breast cancer.
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khagen@ramapo.edu
