Breakaway Mile Champion & cancer survivor Dee Williams leads the Breakaway Mile in style!

Breakaway from Cancer (BFC) is made up of four nonprofits, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the Cancer Support Community, the Patient Advocate Foundation and the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, who offer a variety of resources for people touched by cancer. Each organization was highlighted during one of the four Breakaway Miles, a special walk to recognize cancer survivors worldwide. During each Breakaway Mile, survivors, caregivers, health care professionals and supporters joined Amgen and BFC in a walk that honored a designated cancer champion who has made a difference in the cancer community. Saturday was the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Breakaway Mile in Livermore, CA and we were proud to have cancer survivor Dee Williams as our Breakaway Champion. Dee is a twelve year breast cancer survivor who actively volunteers with several organizations that support others in their journey through cancer treatment and recovery. Read about all of the Breakaway Champions here.

Foundation Board Member & Amgen Director of Advocacy, Kathryn West @ the Breakaway from Cancer Tent.

All eight days of the Tour were packed with people, from avid cycling enthusiasts to curious locals. Many onlookers stood along the route with encouraging posters for their favorite riders, some came all the way from Europe and Australia to follow the Tour, while others were first-timers who wanted to witness this big, action-packed event in their community. Working together as a team, the BFC partners welcomed everyone to our BFC tent to provide cancer resources from prevention to survivorship. I had many wonderful conversations with people who shared their cancer story and were very appreciative of the work we are doing to Stop Cancer Before it Starts! Many of our visitors were surprised to learn there was so much you could do to prevent cancer, so it was great to see those visitors walk away with important health information, resources and a new outlook on taking better care of themselves and their family.

Thank you to California, Amgen, AEG, our BFC partners and to everyone who works toward saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection!

Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Carolyn (Bo) Aldige (center) w/ Amgen Exec. Director of Research, Dineli Wickramsinghe & Amgen VP & General Manager of Oncology, Bob Azelby.

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

To Make Ahead: Cover and refrigerate the salad and shrimp separately for up to 1 day. | Equipment: Six 8- to 10-inch skewers

Recipe Description:

Fresh herbs make all the difference in this light, summery bean salad that in turn makes an aromatic bed for the easy grilled shrimp. The shrimp and salad are wonderful together but you could also make them separately. Consider skewering and grilling scallops as another delicious option.

Recipe Ingredients:

1. 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
2. 1/3 cup lemon juice
3. 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4. 2 tablespoons packed fresh oregano, minced
5. 2 tablespoons packed fresh sage, minced
6. 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
7. 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
9. 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
10. 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered
11. 1 cup finely diced celery
12. 24 raw shrimp (21-25 per pound; see Note), peeled and deveined

Recipe Steps:

1. Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, oregano, sage, chives, pepper and salt in a large bowl. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the dressing in a small bowl. Add beans, tomatoes and celery to the large bowl; toss well.
2. Preheat grill to medium-high or place a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
3. Thread shrimp onto 6 skewers. (If using a grill pan, you don’t need to skewer the shrimp.)
4. Oil the grill rack (see Tip) or the grill pan. Grill the shrimp until pink and firm, turning once, about 4 minutes total. Serve the shrimp on the white bean salad, drizzled with the reserved dressing.

Recipe Tips & Notes:

1. Note: Both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp can damage the surrounding ecosystems when not managed properly. Look for shrimp certified by an independent agency, such as Wild American Shrimp or Marine Stewardship Council. If you can’t find certified shrimp, choose wild-caught shrimp from North America—it’s more likely to be sustainably caught. Shrimp is usually sold by the number needed to make one pound. For example, “21-25 count” means there will be 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. Size names, such as “large” or “extra large,” are not standardized. In recipes calling for a specific count, order by the count (or number) per pound to be sure you’re getting the size you want.
2. Tip: To oil a grill rack, oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)

Recipe Nutrition:

Per serving: 212 calories; 8 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 95 mg cholesterol; 22 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 17 g protein; 8 g fiber; 891 mg sodium; 242 mg potassium

Nutrition Bonus: Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (25% daily value).

1 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 2 1/2 lean meat, 1 1/2 fat

1. Create variety with interval training. Mixing up the workout with intervals of hard running at a fast speed, followed by recovery running at a slower pace relieves boredom and is also more beneficial for the body.
2. Walk or run on an incline. The treadmill allows you to mimic outdoor hills at variable inclines. Try increasing the incline every minute for 15 minutes followed by lowering the belt every two minutes for the second half of a 30 minute workout.
3. Don’t forget safety. Wear good-fitting running shoes, avoid using weights on the treadmill and don’t hold on to the machine.
4. Focus on the benefits of the treadmill. Treadmills allow you to control your own pace, track your mileage and focus on your form, breathing and visualization. Recognizing these advantages may help you develop a newfound appreciation for your treadmill workout.

Read the full Chicago Tribune article.

Read the full LA Times article.

Regular exercise helps control weight and reduces the risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and some types of cancer. According to the guidelines, adults should perform 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e. brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (i.e. jogging) as well as muscle-strengthening activities (i.e. lifting weights or doing push-ups) twice a week. The report also calls on local communities and workplaces to improve access to safe and convenient places, such as walking trails and sidewalks, to increase opportunities for adults to exercise.

Read the full CBS News article.

Amgen started the BFC initiative in 2005 to promote awareness of a variety of cancer prevention and survivorship resources. The BFC is comprised of four cancer-related nonprofits, Prevent Cancer Foundation, Cancer Support Community (CSC), Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) and National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). The BFC partners participate in the AToC race each year to distribute valuable resources and information at the Breakaway from Cancer booth and walk with cancer survivors and caregivers as part of the Breakaway Mile marches.

Prevent Cancer Foundation Staff, Cheryssa Jensen & Carolyn Schmidt travel w/ Breakaway from Cancer at the Amgen Tour of California

The AToC kicked off the race with festivities in Escondido, California on Friday, May 10. The day included an excellent gala celebration, a boa constrictor named Ruby from the San Diego Zoo and an introduction to all 16 teams competing in the race. Emcees Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen, notable commentators for the Tour de France, introduced accomplished riders from around the globe including AToC winners, Tour de France finalists and Olympian medalists.

The first stage of the race began and ended in Escondido on Sunday where the cyclists competed in a 102.6 mile course containing an 11,132-feet elevation gain. The second stage’s course was even longer at 124.3 miles and ended in a steep climb toward the finish line in Palm Springs where it was a hot and dry 106 degrees. The eighth stage concludes the race on Sunday, May 19 in Santa Rosa. Follow this exciting tour at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com or on twitter @AmgenTourofCali or @BreakawayCancer.

Along with the four BFC partners, the Prevent Cancer Foundation will be traveling with the Breakaway from Cancer tent, as part of the Lifestyle Festival, located near the end of each stage. If you’re in California come visit us at the Breakaway from Cancer tent to receive a variety of free resources and fun giveaways like sunglasses, key chains and frisbees! I applaud these amazing athletes and the inspiring cancer survivors who are working as a team to Stop Cancer Before it Starts!

Myth: Indoor tanning is safer because it protects you from sunburn by giving you a base tan.  
Fact: There is no such thing as a “safe” or “healthy” tan. A tan is damaged skin and can put the body at risk for skin cancer. Studies show that melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is the fastest-growing cancer and is being diagnosed in more and more young people, largely attributable to the use of tanning beds.

Myth: You can’t get sun damage on a cloudy day.
Fact: Your skin is at risk even when the sun’s not shinning. The sun’s ultra violet rays can actually break through the clouds. Even on cloudy days you should use sunscreen and lip balm with UVB and UVA protection with SPF 30 or more.

Myth: You need sunlight to get enough Vitamin D.
Fact: The safest way to get Vitamin D is through a healthy diet and supplements, not long hours in the sunlight. Foods such as milk, yogurt, salmon and tuna are all rich with this nutrient. Fifteen minutes a day of sun exposure for three days a week is all you need for adequate levels of Vitamin D.

Myth: People with darker skin can’t get skin cancer.
Fact: Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate – men and women of all ethnicities are at risk. Although darker-skinned people are less likely to get skin cancer than white people, they are typically more likely to die from the disease.

Myth: Eighty percent of sun damage occurs before the age of 18.
Fact: The majority of a person’s sun damage actually occurs later on in life. While many parents are vigilant with keeping their kids safe with sunscreen and protective clothing, they often don’t practice what they preach. It’s important to protect both your children and yourself from sun exposure whenever you are outdoors.

Remembering these sun safety facts can help you and your loved ones prevent sunburn and early signs of aging and most importantly reduce your risk of skin cancer. You can still have fun in the bright summer sun by following these simple steps:

1. Apply one ounce of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before going outside
2. Wear protective clothing – sun glasses, hats and clothing made of tightly woven material with long sleeves
3. Avoid tanning beds and sun exposure when it’s the brightest
4. Routinely check your skin by following the ABCDE rule

Visit Save Your Skin to learn more about keeping your skin healthy year round.

In past years, I have given my mother jewelry, flowers and framed photos, but I believe this year’s gift will be her favorite. This Mother’s Day I am giving my mother a gift that could save lives. I am making a contribution to the Prevent Cancer Foundation in her honor memorializing the loved ones we have lost to cancer. I’m standing with the Prevent Cancer Foundation community to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!

You can also show your mom how much you love and appreciate her by celebrating Mother’s Day with fun and healthy activities you can do together that help reduce cancer risk. Some great ideas she’s sure to love are:

• Plant a garden. Gardening is a great way to bond with your mother and put your muscles to good use! Make the most out of your gardening experience by planting fruits and vegetables with cancer fighting antioxidants.
• Cook a healthy Mother’s Day meal. Give your mom the day off by preparing these delicious and nutritious recipes for either breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert: Breakfast Tacos, Banana-Berry Smoothies, Caramelized Onion Lasagna, or Blueberry Tart with Walnut Crust.
• Train for a 5k race/walk. Get the whole family to sign up for an upcoming walk/run event and spend Mother’s day walking or running a trail together. The Prevent Cancer Foundation 5k Walk/Run on Sunday, September 29 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to saving lives at a family friendly gathering!
• Have a heart-to-heart talk about cancer screenings. Let your mom know how much she means to you by talking openly with her about getting life-saving breast, cervical or colorectal cancer screenings. Encourage her to talk to her doctor about the screenings she needs.
• Take a fun fitness class together. Find a group fitness program that you and your mom can both enjoy. There are many different activities available for those of all different fitness levels. Try something like water aerobics, rock climbing, yoga, zumba or crossfit to keep you and your mom fit and feeling good.
• Learn about your mom’s family health history. Mother’s Day is a great time to have a simple conversation about your family’s medical background of cancer and other diseases. To learn how this important step can could save or prolong your life or the lives of your family members, watch our recent webcast: Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know.

Your mom has taken care of you in so this Mother’s Day make sure she is taking care of herself, by staying active, eating healthy and getting regular cancer screenings. Join me in celebrating mothers for all that they do by making a donation in honor or in memory of your loved one; a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, colleague or friend.

Recognizing this unexpected “Catch – 22” situation, U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA) has introduced the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2013 (HR 1070) as a resolution to this problem.  This legislation would ensure that 100 percent of the costs of cancer screening are covered under Medicare Part B, and that older Americans are not subject to unexpected cost sharing provisions if polyps are removed during a colonoscopy.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation supports this legislation and applauds Rep. Dent and the original co-sponsors of the bill: Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ).

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable, yet this year, 142,820 Americans will be diagnosed and more than 50,000 will die from the disease. Beginning at age 50, men and women should be screened regularly as the risk of colorectal cancer can increase with age. We must encourage and enable people to follow colorectal screening guidelines. For older Americans, many of whom are on fixed incomes, HR 1070 would remove a tremendous barrier for screening in a population that is most vulnerable to colorectal cancer.

For more information on our legislative activities and how to be an advocate for preventable cancers, please visit our Advocacy Action Center.

Knowing your family health history can help you determine your family’s health risk and make preventive choices.

According to a health survey, only 1 in 3 adults say they have attempted to collect and record their family medical history. It’s important to your overall health, including cancer prevention, to know about your family’s health history. Knowing where to begin, understanding the importance of it and feeling comfortable with starting that conversation with your family are some of the challenges and questions we may face. To help guide us through this process the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in partnership with the National Broadcaster’s Association (NAB) and the Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program, will hold the organization’s first webcast: “Family Medical History: Why and What You Should Know.”

The panel will be moderated by Dave Dubin, a three time cancer survivor and advocate for cancer screening and genetic testing. Panel members will consist of a diverse group of leading experts and advocates:

Anna Maria Izquierdo, Primary Care Physician and Executive Director of Care for Your Health

Beth N. Peshkin, MS, GCG, Associate Professor of Oncology and Senior Genetic Counselor at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

Allyn Rose, Miss D.C., family medical history and cancer prevention advocate

The panel will cover a range of topics including:

• The importance of knowing one’s medical history
• How your family medical history can help reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases
• Strategies for learning about your medical history from family members
• Genetic testing and genetic counseling

Before and during the panel discussion, audience members are encouraged to tweet (@preventcancer) questions for the panelists to answer.

The free webcast will be streamed live online from the NAB’s offices and we hope you will be able to join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 2 pm Eastern. We hope you will “tune in” for this lively, informative and life-saving discussion!