Rx for Better Breast Health
The Rx for Better Breast Health is a new study to learn how certain foods may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence amond breast cancer survivors, The study began recruitment in mid-2014 with funding from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and led by Dr. Amelie Ramirez, professor and director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) at UT Health San Antonio.
The study, which in 2015 wrapped up recruitment of 150 breast cancer survivors in the San Antonio, randomly assigns the survivors to one of two groups. Each study group gets different cancer nutrition tools for an anti-inflammatory diet, possibly including: cooking demonstrations by Chef Iverson Brownell, who specializes in creating healthy, tasty culinary recipes, and reinforced by telephone counseling and tailored monthly newsletters. Our study is specifically testing the idea that women who get the more intensive cooking workshops, counseling and newsletters will increase their intake of anti-inflammatory foods. We’ll also examine how this affects their biomarkers of obesity and inflammation. Inflammation is the process your body uses to protect itself in response to infection or injury. Although inflammation is a vital part of the healing process of wounds and infections, if inflammation becomes chronic, it can actually contribute to illness, like cancer. Some foods have proven to help fight or prevent inflammation, such as deep marine fish, black and green teas, many spices and herbs, dark leafy green vegetables, and bright multi-colored vegetables.
See a news release (2014) for more info.
Study participants are breast cancer survivors ages 18-75 who certain meet additional criteria. Gift cards will be given to participants who complete the study’s three assessments—including surveys, blood work, and other measurements—at the Cancer Therapy and Research Center (CTRC).