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."
- Club Fitness New York, 3111 Broadway, Astoria, NY, (718) 545-0004
- La Fitness, 1111 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY, (516) 355-2302
- Bally Total Fitness, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY, (718) 793-0910
- Bodhi Fitness Center Inc., 35-11 Prince Street, Flushing, NY, (718) 321-1100
- Lucille Roberts, 135-23 38th Avenue, Flushing, NY, (718) 321-0100
- Powerhouse Gym, 3409 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Flushing, NY, (718) 539-7118
- Planet Fitness, 132-40 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, NY, (718) 291-0400
- New York Sports Club, 69-47 Austin Street, Forest Hills, NY, (718) 897-5500
- Body By Berle Personal Training Center, 61-18 190th Street #223, Fresh Meadows, NY, Fresh Meadows Shopping Center (718) 264-8787
- Astoria Sports Complex, 34-38 38th Street, Long Island City, NY, (718) 729-7163
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 programs like the following.
- Weight Control Center, 14210 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, NY, (718) 358-3310
- Medical Weight Control, 9229 Queens Boulevard, Flushing, NY, (718) 243-9292
- Lucille Roberts, 162-01 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY, (718) 657-9885
- Body By Berle Personal Training Center, 61-18 190th Street #223, Fresh Meadows, NY, Fresh Meadows Shopping Center (718) 264-8787
- Jenny Craig Weight Loss Center, 112-43 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, NY, (718) 520-1166
- Synergy Fitness, 23-35 Broadway, Astoria, NY, (718) 267-7700
- Vivinlinea Spa, 200 Middle Neck Rd # 7, Great Neck, NY, Promenade (516) 466-3636
- Life Health & Fitness, 37-11 35th Avenue, Astoria, NY, (718) 349-3494
- The Fitness Loft, 1447 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset, NY, (516) 439-5050
- The Long Island Challenge, 2001 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY, (516) 284-1252
There are also registered dieticians such as:
- Medical Weight Control, 9229 Queens Boulevard, Flushing, NY, (718) 243-9292
- Stacie K. Castle, RD, n220, 2001 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY, (516) 652-2747
- Sharon Yirilli, MS, RD, CDN, 151-79 17th Rd, Whitestone, NY 11357, Whitestone, NY, (718) 316-8197
- Hispanic Foodways/ Lorena Drago MS RD CDN CDE, 71-40 112 Street Suite 404, Forest Hills, NY, (718) 263-3926
- Nancy Mazarin MS RD CDN CNS, 935 Northern Boulevard, Great Neck, NY, (516) 466-9087
- Maria Moriarty R.D., C.D.N., Ste 1C, 98120 Queens Boulevard, Queens, NY, (718) 268-9598
- Daum Michelle, 444 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, (516) 365-8507
- Adrienne Katz, MS, 11 Kemp Lane, New Hyde Park, NY, (516) 741-8356
- Susan Ornstein, MS, 38-24 213th Street #3g, New York, NY, (718) 423-7825
- Marcus Emily, 2800 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, NY, (516) 708-2659
