A recent study performed at Texas A&M University revealed that peaches and plums may present an even sweeter, juicier treat in their ability to fight breast cancer. According to research scientists Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos and Dr. David Byrne from AgriLife Research at Texas A&M, extracts found in commercial varieties of peaches and plums have been shown to kill breast cancer cells while not harming normal cells.

The AgriLife research scientists identified two phenolic compounds within the Rich Lady peach and Black Splendor plum that are responsible for killing the cancer cells. Phenols are organic compounds that occur in fruits and may affect traits such as aroma, taste or color. Stone fruits such as peaches and plums have especially high levels of phenols.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cancer suppression activity of extracts from a commercial variety of a yellow-fleshed peach and a red-fleshed plum and identify the phenolic fractions that may possess potential as chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic natural compounds. Based on analysis of phenolic compounds, both peach and plum extracts effectively inhibited the proliferation of the estrogen independent MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.

The researchers concluded that the phenolic compounds examined in breast cancer and normal cells (in-vitro studies) and confirmed in mice models (in-vivo studies) have potential as chemopreventive dietary compounds, however, more research is required before understanding this application to humans.

For more information, visit MyFruitMyBody.com

The Breast Cancer Fund is heartened that the FDA has registered concern about BPA and is advising parents to reduce children’s exposure while it further investigates the chemical. We support the measures announced by the FDA to encourage industry efforts to replace BPA in baby bottles and infant formula, to further develop alternatives, and to replace or minimize BPA in other food containers.

We agree with the FDA’s assessment that a complete overhaul of the regulatory framework that allowed BPA to be approved as a packaging additive is critically needed.

But we are concerned that the announcement today does not go far enough to protect public health, and even sends a mixed message to consumers.

Fortunately, there is legislation in front of the Senate that would take more decisive action to protect children’s health, and it goes one step further by protecting pregnant women as well. The bill, introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., would ban BPA from baby bottles, sports water bottles and reusable food containers. The bill would also ban BPA from canned foods where safe alternatives exist and require labeling where they don’t. And the bill would give the FDA the authority to modernize its process for reviewing and approving food-packaging additives like BPA.

The Breast Cancer Fund calls on Congress to prioritize the passage of this important public health legislation.

For more information, visit:
www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064437.htm
www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/

Knowing one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, yet only 10 percent of breast cancer sufferers have a genetic history of the disease, LUNA, the makers of whole nutrition bars for women®, and the Breast Cancer Fund (BCF) today announced the results of a national survey and launch of a public education program which provides women with five easy, everyday tips to ask, act and live to prevent breast cancer. Designed to raise public consciousness that prevention is as important as detection and treatment, the Pure Prevention campaign aims to correct breast cancer myths and arm women with the knowledge that prevention is possible.

In developing the educational components of the program, LUNA conducted a national survey of more than 500 women ages 18-60-years-old and concluded that there is a huge need to dispel misconceptions about the disease.  Top-line findings include:

• 50 percent of women think breast cancer is hereditary and therefore believe their ability to change the inevitable is limited. However, research shows only one out of 10 women with breast cancer have a genetic history of the disease, meaning risk factors can be influenced.
• 87 percent of respondents stated that they do not know of ways to prevent breast cancer.
• 71 percent of women did not know that more than one-third of personal care products contain at least one chemical linked to cancer.

“While women live in fear of being diagnosed with breast cancer, most are not accurately informed of methods to prevent the disease,” said Brooke Golden, LUNA Marketing Manager. “Through the Pure Prevention campaign, we hope to educate women about the environmental links to breast cancer and more importantly, the proactive steps they can take in their daily lives and communities to avoid this terrible disease.”

Called “Pure Prevention,” the multi-faceted effort is designed to raise awareness about the science behind the disease, alert consumers to the multitude of environmental links to breast cancer and offer tips with everyday actions women can do to help reduce their risk of breast cancer.  By learning to create a healthy home, eat smart, choose safe cosmetics, get outside, and join the campaign to spread the word, women can make pure choices for breast cancer prevention.

“There is powerful evidence that environmental exposures may trigger the development of breast cancer,” said Jeanne Rizzo, R.N., executive director of the Breast Cancer Fund.  “LUNA and the Breast Cancer Fund are joined by our shared belief that healthier choices can lead to healthier lives and reduce risks of cancer. We are working together to make people aware of what they can do.”

The Pure Prevention campaign website, www.pureprevention.org, is rich with facts, tips and resources to raise awareness about the environmental causes of breast cancer and to empower women to live actively, health and well. In addition, women can go online and share their stories, as they relate to living healthy and well. Additional campaign elements include social networking, grassroots outreach, online advertising, a public relations program and a Public Service Announcement (PSA) featuring film and television actress Sarah Carter that will begin airing nationally in October of this year.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month the Emerald Dream Team, headed by Lana Fuchs of Lana Fuchs Couture, in association with Vicki Tashman of Pink-Link, is pleased to announce a National Search for 12 women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have a compelling story to tell. The women chosen will be whisked away, with a guest, to Las Vegas on Dec. 26th, all expenses paid, for a week of absolute pampering and fun. During their week long stay in Las Vegas the women will each get complete makeovers, a new wardrobe and much more. Their week will end with a New Years Eve Ball thrown in their honor which has been deemed The Emerald Dream Ball.

“It is one thing to change the way a woman looks on the outside but it’s quite another to help her change the way she feels on the inside, and that is what we hope to accomplish with these 12 women during the time we have with them,” – Lana Fuchs.

Application Process: The application process for this National Search will run from October 8th and end on November 8th. During that time all women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are encouraged to visit www.EmeraldDreamBall.com and submit an application in which they are able to tell their breast cancer story. On November 21st the 12 women chosen will be announced and then on Dec.26th their fairy tale will begin in Las Vegas.

The Emerald Dream Team: The Emerald Dream Team consists of over 15 extraordinary people whose wish it is to make 12 women live the Emerald Dream for a week that will last a lifetime. The spokeswomen for the event are Lana Fuchs, of Lana Fuchs Couture and Vicki Tashman, a breast cancer survivor and founder of www.pink-link.org a nonprofit breast cancer support network. Lana and Vicki have been planning this event for over a year and are so excited to finally officially announce the search for the 12 women.

The Emerald Dream Ball: This unforgettable New Year’s Eve black tie extravaganza will focus on enriching the lives of the 12 women diagnosed with breast cancer. It will be a night they never forget and hopefully an inspiration for others to give what they can to the women in this world who are living with breast cancer.

Leave it to Hatley, the Canadian company that grabs attention for its clever designs and spins on everyday sayings to put its best foot forward when it comes to turning attention to an important cause – Breast Cancer Awareness. On October 1, Hatley will kick-off its “Give Breast Cancer the Boot” program benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) Breast Center at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.

For the month of October – National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Hatley will make a donation equivalent to 20 percent of all purchases made on its web site (www.hatleynature.com) to the JWCI Breast Center. Hatley’s extensive line of something-for-everyone products features women’s wear, including comfy loungewear and sleepwear, as well as the new and much sought after rain boots; a popular children’s line with clothing and accessories for infants through kids’ size 7; and an expansive line of apparel and gift items ranging from unisex tees, magnetic note pads, tote bags, cocktail napkins, and aprons.

Hatley’s ‘Give Breast the Cancer the Boot’ campaign uses the company’s hallmark turn-of-the-phrase style to raise awareness for a serious cause. The company chose to make the campaign site wide to appeal to its customers, generally women, who frequently purchase a Hatley item as a spontaneous gift for family members or friends.

“While women are most commonly breast cancer patients, it touches all the people who are important in those women’s lives.  By including our entire line, we have made contributing to this worthwhile cause accessible to customers who are looking for a way to contribute. Every purchase counts toward the donation total, whether it’s an inexpensive item or a special gift for a woman, man, or child or for themselves,” said Chris Oldland, Hatley, President.

Hatley’s site wide campaign was developed as a way to maximize the company’s donation to its designated charity during the month-long campaign as well as raise breast cancer awareness, in general.

“We are very excited about having Hatley as a partner. The donation from the campaign will be used to fund breast cancer research at JWCI, and help in the development of new approaches in early detection and treatment therapies,” said Lou Lazatin, President and CEO, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center.

For more information, please visit www.hatleynature.com.