You might be able to find help fighting breast cancer and other types of cancers at your local grocery store and fitness centers, according to the research findings of Dr. Marian Neuhouser, Ph.D, RD.
Dr. Neuhouser is a nutritional epidemiologist with a background in nutritional sciences. She is an investigator at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Her research is focused on lifestyle factors such as nutrition and physical activity. Some factors may prevent breast and prostate cancer and improve survivorship in those diagnosed with cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, more than 200,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women will die from breast cancer.
Dr. Neuhouser’s research has found that for postmenopausal women in particular, being overweight or obese may increase the risk for breast cancer.
Dr. Neuhouser explains, “After menopause, estrogens are synthesized by adipose tissue—the more adipose a woman has, the more estrogen she will make. Adipose cells also synthesize inflammatory factors, which have been linked to breast cancer.”
One of the most important things a woman at risk for breast cancer can do, says Dr. Neuhouser, is to “maintain a healthy weight."
Given what the research indicates, Dr. Neuhouser says, “One of the most important things is that if a woman is overweight or obese, she should be advised to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Daily physical activity and following healthy eating habits with plentiful fruits and vegetables and minimal empty calories and fried foods will help achieve these goals.”
Dr. Neuhouser says while it can be challenging to lose weight, “Small changes can add up and make a big difference."
When it comes to getting active, Dr. Neuhouser says, "If someone is not used to physical activity, try a five to ten minute walk and gradually increase the time. Having physical activity partners or walking partners always helps. I know my soccer team will be waiting for me on the field, so even if I am tired or busy, I still show up."
- Crunch, 691 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 797-9464
- Harbor Fitness, 191 15th Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 965-6200
- Slope Fitness, 808 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 783-4343
- Gleason's Gym, 77 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 797-2872
- Planet Fitness, 249 Duffield St, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 852-0045
- New York Sports Clubs, 324 Ninth St, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 768-0880
- Eastern Athletic Clubs, 17 Eastern Parkway, New York, NY, (718) 789-4600
- Bally Total Fitness, 2163 Tilden Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 703-6700
- Body Reserve, 207 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 789-7009
- Equinox, 194 Joralemon Street, New York, NY, (718) 522-1327
When it comes to food, Dr. Neuhouser says, "Start with making one new food change each week. Instead of eating two cookies, eat just one.”
If you are concerned about your weight, Dr. Neuhouser suggests getting the support you need by asking your doctor for “ a referral to a reputable weight loss program.” For nutrition advice, Dr. Neuhouser recommends asking for a referral to a registered dietitian.
Locally, you can find support managing your weight through local businesses such as:
- Five Star Wellness Center, 9101 4th Avenue #2R, New York, NY, (718) 630-1090
- Lucille Roberts, 927 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 469-7272
- Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center, 2139 Ralph Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, Georgetown Shopping Center (718) 209-0923
- Medical Weight Loss Center: Oksana Aron MD, 7032 4th Avenue, New York, NY, (718) 491-5525
- The Fitness Collective, 278 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 971-6178
- Sadkhin Complex, 2306 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 769-7771
- Medical Weight Loss Center, 418 Stanhope Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 456-3438
- Options for Health LLC, 8 Stebuen Street Playground, Adult Fitness Area, Brooklyn, NY, (917) 664-2627
- Forever Living Products, 1642 70th Street, Brooklyn, NY, (424) 209-2563
- Ardyss, 1362 Ocean Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (347) 492-6548
and registered dieticians such as the following:
- Gioeli Jill, 585 Schenectady Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 604-5741
- Life Extension Center, 1942 E 8th St # 1, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 376-8317
- Leisa A. Bryant, RD, 213 East 42nd Street, New York, NY, (917) 754-2059
- Medley Marlene, 506 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 246-8600
- Jennifer Schonborn, Holistic Nutrition Counselor, 296 1st Street, Brooklyn, NY, (347) 387-7103
- Angelique Martin, RD, 2035 Ralph Avenue, New York, NY, (646) 752-9842
- Daley Torkell, 445 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 270-3917
- Depass Allison, 135 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 693-6060
- Brooklyn Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Associates, 2211 Emmons Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 368-2960 (Mobile)
