Torontonians Get Physical at Rethink Breast Cancer’s 16th annual Boobyball soiree

Toronto, ON – On Friday, Oct. 13, REBEL (11 Polson St.) was full of Torontonians dressed in their best 80s and 90s apparel to celebrate the 16th edition of Rethink Breast Cancer’s Boobyball fundraiser. Themed Get Physical, the annual bash promoted regular physical activity as a means to reduce a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Notable celebrities, television personalities and YouTube stars including Amanda Brugel, Cabbie Richards, Chloe Wilde, Karl Wolf and Tara Spencer-Nairn were in attendance to celebrate Boobyball: Get Physical, raising money and awareness for breast cancer support and education. Partygoers were seen shimmying in lycra, legwarmers and shoulder pads, while several aerobic dance-offs took place.

This year, TOPSHOP once again returned to Boobyball as the lead sponsor and wowed the crowd with their Get Physical Lounge. Once inside guests had the opportunity to sweat for a good cause - for every 50m cycled on their 80s retro bike, TOPSHOP would donate an additional $1 to Rethink. Additionally, Toronto kicked off Booyball with a Facebook Live segment from the TOPSHOP Canada Stage showcasing this year's retro-themed bash and hosting interviews with MJ DeCoteau, Founder of Rethink Breast Cancer and Canadian actresses, Natasha Negovanlis, Sarah Fisher and more! Watch the full video here.


Amanda Brugel, The Handmaid's Tale
Photo Credit: Ryan Emberley


Craig McKinnon, The Bachelorette and Cabbie Richards, Sportscentre
Photo Credit: Ryan Emberley


Chloe Wilde, reporter and host, eTALK and E! Canada
Photo Credit: Ryan Emberley


Karl Wolf, Canadian Singer & Songwriter
Photo Credit: Ryan Emberley


Torri Webster, Life with Boys
Photo Credit: Ryan Emberley

Since 2002, Boobyball has raised over $4.2 million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer’s work for young women concerned about and affected by breast cancer, with this year’s Toronto event raising more than $185,000.

Images from the event are available for download here.
Photo credit: Ryan Emberley

Toronto’s fetch activations included:

  • TOPSHOP Get Physical Lounge invited guests to sweat for a good cause. For every 50m cycled on their 80s retro bike, TOPSHOP would donate an additional $1 to Rethink
  • Yummy cocktails by teapigs and Tito’s Handmade vodka
  • Oxygen Bar, courtesy of Medreleaf
  • Tasty treats from Sweet Jesus
  • Retro-hair touch-ups and mini manis by Her Majesty’s Pleasure
  • VIP eats by STK and Hickory Farms
  • Shwinging Suds by Beau’s
  • A sweet ride home courtesy of Beck Taxi
  • Retro photos by The Kit
  • Old school beats by DJ Brains4brkfst
  • Like, totally major gift bags
In addition to the Calgary event on October 14, three additional Boobyball events will be hosted nationwide including Vancouver (Oct. 21), Ottawa (Oct. 27) and Halifax (Oct. 28).
Website: boobyball.com
Twitter: @Boobyball
Instagram: @Boobyball
Facebook: RethinkBreastCancer
Hashtags: #Boobyball

About Boobyball

Boobyball was launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend Sarah O’Regan who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with aggressive, advanced breast cancer. Fast forward 16 years, and Boobyball is now one of the most coveted and high profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and Sarah is a thriving mother of three. Since 2002, Boobyball has raised over $4.2 million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer’s work for young women concerned about and affected by breast cancer. For more about Boobyball, visit www.boobyball.com.
About Rethink Breast CancerTM
Rethink Breast Cancer’s mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer. Rethink is the first ever Canadian charity to bring bold, relevant awareness to the 40s and under crowd; foster a new generation of young and influential breast cancer supporters; infuse sass and style into the cause; and, most importantly, respond to the unique needs of young women going through it.  By taking a breakthrough approach to all aspects of breast cancer – education, resources, advocacy, community building, and fundraising – Rethink is thinking differently about breast cancer.  To find out more about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit rethinkbreastcancer.com.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Fight Breast Cancer With Good Nutrition

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

Can what you eat prevent breast cancer? October is breast cancer awareness month. The National Breast Cancer Foundation created the annual campaign to raise awareness of this devastating disease. All month it encourages individuals to host or engage in fundraising events, share educational content, and focus on early detection, education, and support. One of the ways women can reduce their risk is through eating healthy throughout their lifetimes.

Diet and Breast Cancer Risk

Diet is partly responsible for between 30 and 40 percent of cancers, according to BreastCancer.org. The research isn’t more specific, because many women with breast cancer have more than one risk factor, so it can be hard to isolate one cause from the rest. However, there’s a clear link between a diet that is low fat and high in vegetables and fiber and reduced breast cancer risk.

Healthy foods help maintain a healthy weight. Overweight women have an increased risk of breast cancer. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods promote weight loss because they contain high amounts of fiber and nutrition and relatively low calorie counts. Women who gained weight after a diagnosis of breast cancer also had a higher risk of recurrence.

A low-fat diet reduces risk. One study found that when women only got 25 percent of their daily calories from fat, they were less likely to get breast cancer. A low-fat diet often means high consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, grains, and veggies.

Research supports eating a variety of healthy foods. Supplements help, but it’s best to get your nutrients from a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Researchers continue to study the link between breast cancer and healthy eating, but here’s what dieticians say helps reduce your risk.

  • Keep your body mass index in a healthy range.
  • Eat more than five cups of fruits and vegetables every day.
  • Limit saturated fat to under 10 percent of your calories and total fat to under 30 grams each day.
  • Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish, beans, and nuts.
  • Avoid packaged foods and trans fats.

Foods that Fight Cancer

The MD Anderson Center recommends making vegetables, beans, and whole grains a major part of every meal. Build your grocery list around foods that reduce your risk and make healthy eating a regular part of your lifestyle. Try some of these cancer-fighting superfoods.

Broccoli – This green veggie contains sulforaphane, a powerful compound that flushes cancer-causing chemicals from your body and raises its level of protective enzymes. Kale, cabbage, and cauliflower also contain sulforaphane, but broccoli has the most.

Berries – All berries contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins. They keep premalignant cancer cells from growing to fight off cancer. The Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology compared dried and frozen berries with fresh ones and found there was no significant difference in their cancer-fighting nutrients. When you’re on the go, eat dried fruit for a nutritional power punch.

Tomatoes – Lycopene makes tomatoes red. It also stops the growth of cancer cells. Cooked tomatoes offer the biggest benefit, since turning tomatoes into sauce concentrates the amount of lycopene per ounce. Sip tomato juice for a tasty way to reduce your cancer risk.

Walnuts – Two handfuls of walnuts a day might lower your risk of breast cancer. If you have breast cancer, walnuts can slow the growth of tumors. Phytosterols in nuts block estrogen receptors in cancer cells. Almonds and peanuts contain the same cancer fighting compounds.

Garlic – Several studies show a link between increased garlic consumption and reduced cancer risk. The phytochemical allicin that gives garlic its strong odor also strengthens the immune system and helps the body kill abnormal cancer cells. One study indicated women taking tamoxifen to fight breast cancer reduced their risk of liver injury by consuming more allicin.

Beans – Black beans and navy beans cause your body to produce the fatty acid butyrate. In high concentrations, butyrate fights cancer growth. Fight breast and colon cancer by eating beans at least three times a week.

Quick Cancer-Fighting Snacks

Munch on cancer-fighting foods throughout the day with these quick strategies.

  • Once a week, stuff snack-sized zipper baggies with raw broccoli, berries, and cherry tomatoes. Put them where it’s easy to grab and go.
  • Stock up on 100 percent vegetable juice and keep it chilled for a delicious treat.
  • Keep reduced-fat cheese sticks on hand.
  • All natural granola bars help you get in an extra serving of whole grains, nuts, and dried fruit.
  • Bean chips are high in fiber and protein and low in sodium. Fight cancer with chips.
  • Packaged nuts don’t have to be refrigerated, and they won’t get squashed sitting in your purse or car. Keep them on hand for emergency snacking.

Healthy Vending Machines?

Sometimes no matter how carefully you plan, it’s hard to find healthy food choices. Naturals2Go makes eating right easy by providing vending machines stocked with healthy options. If you want to make good choices easy and make money doing it, consider putting in a Naturals2Go vending machine.

Naturals2Go is ready to partner with you to offer healthy eating in your area. Contact us today to learn more about starting your own vending business or getting one of our healthy vending machines in your location.

Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) funds new breast cancer recovery trial in partnership with two Canadian universities

 

MONTREAL, Oct. 3, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) has announced funding for a new breast cancer program/trial called ACTIVATE in partnership with the University of Ottawa and the University of British Columbia. ACTIVATE stands for Aerobic Exercise and CogniTIVe Functioning in Women with BreAsT CancEr. The study aims to determine if a targeted exercise program can prevent the severe and long-lasting effects that chemotherapy treatment can have on cognitive functioning in breast cancer patients and survivors.

Each year, approximately 25 000 women across Canada are diagnosed with breast cancer, with an estimated 1.7 million women being diagnosed globally. While outlooks for breast cancer diagnoses are improving, healthcare professionals continue to rely on chemotherapy as the main source of treatment. Chemotherapy can result in many short and long-term health problems, including a prolonged reduction in cognitive ability.

Chemotherapy can drastically impact a patient's ability to think, concentrate and recall even the most commonplace of details. Its effect on the brain, aptly dubbed, "chemo-brain," makes it difficult for patients to perform ordinary tasks and nearly 75% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer have reported experiencing "chemo-brain" both during and after treatment. Researchers have found that women with breast cancer may be unable to return to their previous occupational, family and social activities as a result of the negative impact that chemo-brain has on their cognitive functioning.

For this reason, the ACTIVATE trial research team led by Dr. Kristin Campbell (Associated Professor at the University of British Columbia) and Dr. Jennifer Brunet (Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa) will be testing if exercise can help to reduce the impact of chemotherapy on the brain to determine if it can be prescribed to prevent or reduce "chemo brain." "With this grant of $47,500 from the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada), the ACTIVATE trial research team will endeavour to determine if the large economic burden due to demand of health care resources and lost workforce productivity resulting from chemo-brain could be prevented with a controlled exercise regimen."

Roberta Lacey, President of the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada), said: "The Avon Foundation works to improve the lives of women and their families, which is why we believe that this donation can play a key role in addressing the impact of "chemo-brain" on both the patient and their family. The possibility that exercise could be an accessible and affordable complementary treatment is all the more promising."

Avon is the largest corporate donor to the breast cancer cause with $815 million donated globally. The Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) raises funds to support important causes like breast cancer research and awareness through the sale of its Shop for the Greater Goods collection of fundraising products. Purchases of Avon Breast Cancer fundraising products have helped fund numerous research initiatives like the ACTIVATE trial in the fight to end breast cancer and have enabled more than 18 million women to access breast cancer screenings and educate more than 145 million people about breast health around the globe. Sales of Avon's fundraising products can help to turn diagnoses into stories of survival. Avon Canada donates 10% of the sale price from breast cancer fundraising products to the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada) to support Avon Breast Cancer Crusade programs across the country.

About Avon Canada Inc (New Avon LLC)
New Avon LLC ("Avon") is the leading social selling beauty company in North America, with Independent Sales Representatives throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Avon's product portfolio includes award-winning skincare, color cosmetics, fragrance and personal care products, featuring iconic brands such as ANEW, Avon Color, mark. by Avon, and Skin So Soft, as well as fashion and accessories. Avon has a 130 year history of empowering women through economic opportunity, and supporting the causes that matter most to women. Together, Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women have contributed over $1 billion globally toward eradicating breast cancer and domestic violence. Learn more about Avon and its products at www.avon.ca.

 

SOURCE Avon Canada Inc.

For further information:

For more information about the ACTIVATE trial: cep.lab@ubc.ca, activatetrial@uottawa.ca, 613-562-5800 ext.: 7300, 604-827-1914; For more information about the Avon Foundation for Women (Canada): Elizabeth Munro, elizabeth.munro@avoncanada.com; Natalie Laurence, natalie.laurence@avoncanada.com, 514-630-8771

Boobyball celebrates its sweet 16 in
Toronto on October 13

Torontonians invited to ‘Get Physical’ in support of

Rethink Breast Cancer

Toronto, ON – Toronto’s biggest soiree invites guests to shake, strut and shimmy to the beat in support of Rethink Breast Cancer at the 16th annual Boobyball fundraiser on Friday, October 13at 8 p.m. at REBEL (11 Polson St.). Party-goers will be transported back to the 80s and 90s and experience an evening filled with pink cocktails and scrumptious treats.

This year’s fundraiser themed Let’s Get Physical, aims to promote and celebrate regular physical activity – whether it’s shimmying in the most luscious lycra or having an aerobic dance-off to the sickest beat – which helps reduce a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Tickets for Toronto’s Boobyball: Get Physical are available for purchase at www.Boobyball.com.

Want to do more to raise funds for Rethink Breast Cancer? Hop on a totally rad retro pink bike at TOPSHOP’s ‘Get Physical’ lounge at Boobyball. Every time you sweat it out, TOPSHOP will donate another $1 to Rethink.

Last year’s Boobyball events hosted 4,000 young philanthropists across Canada and since 2002, Boobyball has raised over $4.2 million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer’s work for young women concerned about and affected by breast cancer. This year, Boobyball aims to raise $540,000 through its coast to coast events hosted in Toronto (Oct. 13), Calgary (Oct. 14), Vancouver (Oct. 21), Ottawa (Oct. 27) and Halifax (Oct. 28).

Toronto’s Sizzling Activations: 

  • TOPSHOP Get Physical Lounge with pink retro bikes – for every guest who sweats it out, TOPSHOP will donate another $1 to the cause
  • Yummy cocktails by teapigs and Tito’s Handmade vodka
  • Oxygen Bar, courtesy of Medreleaf
  • Tasty treats from Sweet Jesus
  • Retro-hair touch-ups and mini manis by Her Majesty’s Pleasure
  • VIP eats by STK and Hickory Farms
  • Shwinging Suds by Beau’s
  • A sweet ride home courtesy of Beck Taxi
  • Retro Photos by The Kit
  • Old School beats by DJ Brains4brkfst
  • Like, totally major gift bags
Check out the divine wines from Meiomi and Kim Crawford, cocktails created by teapigs and Tito’s Handmade Vodka and pints courtesy of Beau’s.  Fuel up for the dance floor with Sweet Jesus and dive into delish creations from The Food Dudes. Glam up your look with retro-hair style touch-ups by Her Majesty’s Pleasure, all while jamming to memorable beats played by DJ Brains4brkfst, and much more!

Title Sponsor: TOPSHOPNational Preppy Sponsors: Paypal, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Beau’s, Meiomi Wines, Kim Crawford, teapigs, MedReleaf, 4XM, Mosaic and GuestDeck.

Toronto’s fetch sponsors: Beck Taxi, Boss Promotions, Cotton Candy Events, The Food Dudes, Her Majesty's Pleasure, Luxe Rentals, and Parkview BMW.

Toronto’s clutch suppliers: DJ Brains4brkfst, Flow Water, Nando's, Nick Marshall, Panago, STK Toronto, Hickory Farms, Tromba and Sweet Jesus.

Toronto’s media sponsors: Indie88, CP24, The Kit, and eTALK.

To further generate buzz for the biggest bash, Rethink produced an old-school promotional workout video. Click here to view the video. 

Interviews available with Chloe Wilde or The Sorry Girls upon request.

Website:          boobyball.com
Twitter:           @Boobyball
Instagram:      @Boobyball
Facebook:      RethinkBreastCancer
Hashtags:       #Boobyball

About Boobyball
Boobyball was launched in 2002 by a group of dedicated young women in support of their friend Sarah O’Regan who, at just 23 years old, was diagnosed with aggressive, advanced breast cancer. Fast forward 16 years, and Boobyball is now one of the most coveted and high profile fundraising events for young philanthropists in Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg, and Sarah is a thriving mother of three. Since 2002, Boobyball has raised over $4.2 million dollars for Rethink Breast Cancer’s work for young women concerned about and affected by breast cancer. For more about Boobyball, visit www.boobyball.com.

About Rethink Breast CancerTM
Rethink Breast Cancer’s mission is to empower young people worldwide who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer. Rethink is the first ever Canadian charity to bring bold, relevant awareness to the 40s and under crowd; foster a new generation of young and influential breast cancer supporters; infuse sass and style into the cause; and, most importantly, respond to the unique needs of young women going through it.  By taking a breakthrough approach to all aspects of breast cancer – education, resources, advocacy, community building, and fundraising – Rethink is thinking differently about breast cancer.  To find out more about Rethink Breast Cancer, visit rethinkbreastcancer.com.

GeneNews Launches Blood-Based, Biomarker Test for Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Women with Elevated Risk Scores are Encouraged to Move to Further Screening with 3D Tomography, Screening Breast Ultrasound and/or MRI

TORONTO, March 29, 2017 /CNW/ - GeneNews Limited (TSX:GEN) ("GeneNews" or the "Company") announced today the launch of BreastSentry™, a new risk stratification test for breast cancer, via its Virginia-based clinical reference lab, Innovative Diagnostics Laboratory ("IDL"). BreastSentry incorporates a blood-based biomarker test with a sophisticated algorithm to determine a woman's five-year and lifetime risk for developing breast cancer.

BreastSentry measures the fasting plasma levels of two biomarkers in the blood, proneurotensin ("pro-NT") and proenkephalin ("pro-ENK"), which are highly predictive of a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. Various longitudinal clinical studies have shown that elevated levels of pro-NT and decreased levels of pro-ENK are strong, independent risk factors for the development of breast cancer.1-17 In addition, BreastSentry measures seven key risk factors, based on the Gail Model, for developing breast cancer to provide an additional level of personal data into the risk stratification algorithm to create an enriched, personalized score. The Gail Model is a statistical breast cancer risk assessment algorithm designed by scientists at the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

BreastSentry is intended for use in average risk women who have no family history of breast cancer. However, it is especially suited for the approximate 50% of women who have dense breasts and, therefore, require further risk stratification where mammography leaves off. Elevated risk scores can help physicians determine if further screening with 3D Tomography, Screening Breast Ultrasound and/or MRI are necessary. Women with elevated risk scores are also encouraged to adopt lifestyle changes in diet and exercise to reduce risk moving forward.

"We are excited to make this test available to women throughout the U.S. who are concerned with their risk for developing breast cancer, especially those 50% of U.S. women with dense breast tissue, who cannot rely on mammography alone to determine if they currently have the disease," said James Howard-Tripp, Chairman and CEO of GeneNews.

Approximately two-thirds of pre-menopausal and one-quarter of post-menopausal women have dense breast tissue, which makes it challenging to detect breast cancer by mammography alone.6 High breast density, as seen on a mammogram, is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with heterogeneously (40%) and extremely dense breast (10%) tissue are four-to-five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density.18,19

The American Cancer Society suggests women with dense breasts talk to their health care providers about whether they should consider adding MRI and/or Ultrasound to their annual mammography screening.20  To help physicians determine what comes next following either an elevated or normal BreastSentry test score, GeneNews and IDL have also developed a BreastSentry Patient Advocacy Protocol.

"This is a significant breakthrough for women with dense breasts," commented Dr. Belinda Barclay-White, founder and medical director of Arizona Breastnet, a full service diagnostic breast center. "Any additional information that can be added to a patient profile to determine ongoing risk for developing breast cancer is very much needed to help physicians, radiologists and patients determine what the next course of action should be."

About GeneNews

GeneNews is committed to becoming a leader in advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine, serving as a strong commercialization outlet for early detection of cancer and other chronic diseases. Our mission is to identify, assess and make commercially available a comprehensive menu of diagnostics that provide physicians and patients with personalized clinical intelligence and actionable information to improve health out-comes through the early diagnosis of disease.  Our Richmond, Virginia-based Innovative Diagnostic Laboratory clinical reference lab specializes in traditional and advanced clinical evidence-based blood testing that helps find, understand, and address cancer risk in patient populations. Currently, IDL offers risk assessment blood tests for four major cancer types - colon, lung, prostate and breast. GeneNews' common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'GEN'. More information on GeneNews can be found at www.GeneNews.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements identified by words such as "expects", "will" and similar expressions, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events to differ materially from those projected herein. Investors should consult the Company's ongoing quarterly filings and annual reports for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

References

1.        Melander O. et al., Plasma Proneurotensin and Incidence of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Breast Cancer, and Mortality, JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). October 10, 2012, Issue 308, 14, P. 1469-75.
2.        Melander O, et al., Validation of plasma proneurotensin as a novel biomarker for the prediction of incident breast cancer, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. August, 2014; 238 : P. 1672-6.
3.        Ernst, A, et al., Proneurotensin 1-117, a stable neurotensin precursor fragment identified in human circulation. Peptides. July, 2006, Issue 27, 7, P. 1787-93.
4.        Dupouy S, et al., The Neurotensin Receptor-1 Pathway Contributes to Human Ductal Breast Cancer Progression. PLoS ONE. 2009;41: e4223
5.        Souazé F, et al., Expression of Neurotensin and NT1 Receptor in Human Breast Cancer: A Potential Role in Tumor Progression. Cancer Res. June 15, 2006;6612: 6243-9.
6.        Carraway, R. et al., Involvement of neurotensin in cancer growth: Evidence, mechanisms and development of diagnostic tools. Peptides. October, 2006;2710: 2445-60.
7.        Devader, C. et al, The Anti-Apoptotic Role of Neurotensin. Cells. March, 2013; 21:
8.        Go, V. et al, Role of nutrients in the gastrointestinal release of immunoreactive neurotensin, Peptides. 1981;2 Suppl 2: 267-9.
9.        Dupouy S, et al, The potential use of the neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 as a biomarker for cancer progression and as a component of personalized medicine in selective cancers. Biochimie. 2011 Sep;939:1369-78. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.04.024. Epub 2011 May 17.
10.     Somai S. et al, Neurotensin counteracts apoptosis in breast cancer cells, Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Volume 295, Issue 2, 12 July 2002, Pages 482â€"488
11.     Melander, O, et al, Plasma Pro-Enkephalin, a stable peptide of the precursor to the endogenous opioid Enkephalin, predicts breast cancer risk, Oncol Res Treat 2014;37(suppl 1): 4
12.     Melander, O. Plasma Pro-Enkephalin adds value to Proneurotensin for the risk prediction of incident breast cancer. Oncol Res Treat 2014;37(suppl 1): 6
13.     Ernst A, Proenkephalin A 119-159, a stable proenkephalin A precursor fragment identified in human circulation.Peptides. July, 2006;27: 1835-40.
14.     Faith, R. et al, Inhibition of Pulmonary Metastases and Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Activity by Methionine-Enkephalin, Brain Behav Immun. June, 1988;2: 114-22.
15.     Schäfer, M. et al, Opioid therapy and tumor progression. Advances in Palliative Medicine 2009, 8, 53–56
16.     Mernenko OA, et al, Met-enkephalin induces cytolytic processes of apoptotic type in K562 human erythroid leukemia cells. FEBS Lett. April 1, 1996;3833: 230-2.
17.     Maneckjee R, et al, Opioids induce while nicotine suppresses apoptosis in human lung cancer cells Cell Growth Differ. October, 1994;510: 1033-40.
18.     Boyd NF, Guo H, Martin LJ, et al. Mammographic density and the risk and detection of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 3563:227-36, 2007.
19.     Tamimi RM, Byrne C, Colditz GA, Hankinson SE. Endogenous hormone levels, mammographic density, and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 9915:1178-87, 2007.
20.     Saslow D, Boetes C, Burke W, et al. for the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Advisory Group. American Cancer Society guidelines for breast screening with MRI as an adjunct to mammography. CA Cancer J Clin. 572:75-89, 2007.

SOURCE GeneNews Limited

Is 3D Mammography more effective in detecting breast cancer?

The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre and Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre collaborate on clinical trial for breast cancer screening with digital breast tomosynthesis

Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre and the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC) have opened the Ottawa site of the Lead-In to the Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST). The Breast Health Centre is one of three clinical trial sites to launch the Lead-In in Canada. It is expected that shortly this trial will be integrated into a larger U.S./Canada TMIST, managed by the ECOG-ACRIN Cooperative Clinical Trials Group.

TMIST is the first large randomized, multi-centre study to assess whether a novel "3D" digital tomosynthesis technology combined with 2D digital mammography may be more effective at reducing the incidence of advanced breast cancers than conventional 2D mammography alone. Previous smaller studies suggest that this new kind of mammography can increase breast cancer detection and reduce the rate of false positives and recalls for women who do not have cancer. If successful, implementation of this technology would provide greater assurance of an effective test, reduce patient stress and anxiety, and ultimately reduce costs to the health-care system.  The current Lead-In study aims to enroll 6,300 women in Canada, including 2,000 from Ottawa. Women attending mammographic screening at the Breast Health Centre may be approached to participate.

Digital breast tomosynthesis uses multiple low-dose images of the breast that are layered into a pseudo 3D view instead of the traditional 2D views. As information is not superimposed, tomosynthesis creates a richer and clearer image that may help avoid missing cancers that may be hidden in surrounding breast tissue.

"Tomosynthesis is the most advanced and exciting technology for mammography," said Dr. Jean Seely, Head of Breast Imaging at the Breast Health Centre, associate professor at the University of Ottawa and lead investigator of TMIST Lead-In in Ottawa. "When the full study begins, it will be the largest and most important study to evaluate both 3D and 2D mammography technology together. Outcomes of the study will allow us to decide how we move forward from 2D to 3D screening. Our goal is to improve on ways to detect important cancers as early as possible in order to save lives."

"We are pleased to collaborate and help fund this critical trial," said Dugald Seely, naturopathic doctor, Executive Director of the OICC, and co-investigator of TMIST in Ottawa. "Imaging and mammography are stressful events. The OICC is committed to supporting women so that they receive the best diagnostic technology, limiting unnecessary anxiety and ultimately reducing the burden of disease. The screening program is potentially revolutionary and we hope will be more accurate in correctly finding breast cancers that may not otherwise be diagnosed."

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death amongst women between 40 and 50 years of age. At The Ottawa Hospital there are one thousand new cases of breast cancer diagnosed per year.

Screening mammography has been shown to reduce the mortality of breast cancer. Specifically, women with breast cancer who underwent prior screening had a death rate of approximately six percent after five years compared to 15 percent for people who did not undergo screening. Despite this fact, there is extensive controversy surrounding screening. The harms of high numbers of false positives from 2D mammography have called screening into question. For every 100 women who are recalled for additional testing, more than 90 will have a normal finding or benign disease. This high number of initial false positives creates stress for women and may lead to decreased screening use, with a potential greater loss of lives from undetected cancer. It is hoped that tomosynthesis technology will reduce false positives, improve sensitivity and overall accuracy of digital mammograms.

The full TMIST study of 165,000 women will be led by Dr. Etta Pisano, Dean Emerita, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina and current Vice-Chair of Research in the Department of Radiology at Beth Israel Deakoness Medical Center, Harvard University. The Canadian Lead-in study is being led by Dr. Martin Yaffe, Senior Scientist, Imaging Research, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Professor of Depts. Medical Biophysics and Medical Imaging, at University of Toronto.

This study has been approved by the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board. Further details are available on the Canadian Cancer Trials website.

About The Ottawa Hospital and its Breast Health Centre
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada's largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.

Since its opening in 1997, The Ottawa Hospital Breast Health Centre has been dedicated to providing the highest quality care for breast patients across the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). The Centre continues as a comprehensive breast centre that offers expertise in breast imaging, biopsy, diagnosis, risk assessment, surgical planning and psychosocial support for patients, and their families, in a caring environment. The Breast Health Centre offers high quality assessments in diagnostic imaging, diagnosing more than 85% of the breast cancers at The Ottawa Hospital, performing over 2,500 breast biopsies every year.

About the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC)
The OICC is changing how people are living with cancer. The OICC approach to integrative cancer care enables people to live the best they can while undergoing hospital-based treatment, by reducing side effects, improving quality of life, and helping prevent recurrence. The OICC is the first integrative cancer care and research centre in Central and Eastern Canada, and has been awarded the two largest-ever integrative cancer care research grants in North America. A not-for-profit, the OICC provides a range of supportive programs for patients including the Babes4Breasts Head Start Program for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. www.oicc.ca

About the University of Ottawa — A crossroads of cultures and ideas
The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada's top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today's challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. www.uottawa.ca

 

SOURCE Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC)

 

HIGH-CALIBRE CUISINE TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT EAT TO THE BEAT

TORONTO’S TOP CULINARY FUNDRAISER IN SUPPORT OF CBCF

Tuesday, November 1, 2016 | 7 pm – 10 pm | Roy Thomson Hall

cbcf

Toronto, Ontario – October 17, 2016 – A mecca for urban foodies to experience the best Ontario’s culinary scene has to offer, the 21st annual Eat to the Beat presented by KitchenAid® is a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and features 60 female chefs supporting people living with breast cancer on Tuesday, November 1 from 7 pm – 10 pm at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street). General Admission Tickets are $189 (a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount). For tickets or to see the line-up of chefs and beverage participants, please visit www.eattothebeat.ca or call 1 (800) 387-9816.

 

Eat to the Beat guests have the opportunity to enjoy specially prepared savoury and sweet dishes at 60 stations, along with wine, beer and a selection of non alcoholic beverages set up around Roy Thomson Hall’s outer lobby.

 

“We are so grateful to our participating chefs, sponsors and supporters who have helped to make Eat to the Beat Toronto’s must-attend culinary event and fundraiser over the years,” says Cathy Park, co-chair, Eat to the Beat.

 

In addition to food and drink, colourful and whimsical one-of-a-kind corsets, inspired by food and created and modelled by breast cancer survivors, have become an integral part of Eat to the Beat.

 

“A fun, colourful and cheeky tradition at Eat to the Beat, breast cancer survivors will be adding class with a bit of sass, modeling original food-inspired corsets that they have created,” adds Joanne Brophy, co-chair, Eat to the Beat.

 

Started 21 years ago by sisters Lisa and Abby Slater, Eat to the Beat has raised more than $3.9 million since its inception. Funds raised at Eat to the Beat will support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – dedicated to funding relevant and innovative research, supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community, and providing credible, unbiased information to help empower those affected by breast cancer or at increased genetic risk of developing the disease.

 

“Just like Lisa and Abby, we’re inspired by the strength of breast cancer survivors and those who are affected by this disease,” says Karen Malone, VP, Research & Programs, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, “Thanks to fundraising events like Eat to the Beat, we can continue to offer emotional support and information to anyone affected by breast cancer.”

 

Eat to the Beat at a Glance:

DATE:              Tuesday, November 1, 2016

TIME:                7 pm – 10 pm

VENUE:            Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto (St. Andrew subway station)

COST:              Tickets include savoury and sweet dishes at 60 stations along with wine, beer and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

General Admission Ticket: $189 (a tax receipt will be issued for the maximum allowable amount)

DRESS:            Smart Casual

CONTACT:        eattothebeat@cbcf.org or call 1 (800) 387-9816

FACEBOOK:     www.facebook.com/cbcf.ettb

TWITTER:          @EattotheBeat_TO

HASHTAG:        #EattotheBeat

 

Participating chefs and select menu items that will be featured at this year’s Eat to the Beat include:

  • Sandra Abballe, Succulent Chocolates and Sweets
  • Vanessa Baudanza and Isabelle Loiacono, The Rolling Pin
  • Wanda Beaver, Wanda's Pie in the Sky- Grand Marnier Nanaimo bars
  • Renee Bellefeuille, Art Gallery of Ontario- cured whitefish, rye toast, tarragon crème fraiche and pickled caperberry goat cheese and artichoke puff
  • Cathy Beneway, CreativeCatering by Cathy
  • Emma Beqaj, Emma's Eatery Catering- lobster grilled cheese
  • Arvinda Chauhan and Preena Chauhan, Arvinda’s -spicy curry leaf infused chick pea dip with tomato purée served on cucumber and zucchini rounds and garnished with savoury noodles and curry leaf
  • Tiiu Christie and Tysa Christie, Marigolds and Onions
  • Felicia Derose Colette Grand Café
  • Donna Dooher and Michael Leary, Mildred's Temple Kitchen
  • Kyla Eaglesham, Madeleines
  • Rossy Earle, SupiCucu
  • Michelle Edgar, TheSweet Escape Patisserie
  • Alison Ferland, Byblos
  • Mali Fernandez, Xola Mexican Food
  • Alexandra Feswick, The Drake Hotel- Adobo pulled pork steam buns with daikon pickle
  • Trish Gill, The Emmet Ray
  • Bonnie Gordon, Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary Arts- Macaron in a variety of flavours, homemade chocolates, and langues de chat
  • Tamara Green, The Living Kitchen
  • Kimberly Humby, East & Main Bistro 
  • Anna Janes, Cocomira Confections
  • Vanessa Le Page, Cake Lady - Edible Art - The Shortbread
  • Tara Lee, Bar Hop- mini pork and ricotta meatballs with a tomato cream sauce
  • Jacqueline Lo, Ruelo Patisserie
  • Erin Marcus, Ace Bakery
  • Lynn Mendelson, Lynn Mendelson Catering- million $ bars
  • Joan Monfaredi, Park Hyatt Hotel- tuna tartar wonton tacos with pea shoots, chili rice vinegar and scallion
  • Jennifer Mooers and Chris Brown, Citizen Catering
  • Lauren Mozer, Elle Cuisine
  • Catherine O’Donnell, WillowCakes and Pastries
  • Christine Ostiguy, YorkshirePudding Catering
  • Angela Panigas, The Sultan's Tent & Café Moroc
  • Chef Véronique Perez, Crêpes à GoGo Spadinaand Limonana
  • Jennifer Perusini, BerBer Social
  • Andrea Poirier, Inn on the Twenty
  • Karen Rachlin, Bite Catering
  • Regular Nuit, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, Sabai Sabai Kitchen and Bar and Sukhothai Restaurant - "Mee kra ti" – stir fried rice vermicelli with coconut milk and tofu
  • Caroline Reid, Scaramouche- house-cured duck pastrami with celery root salad, hazelnut purée and vincotto
  • Emily Richards, Professional Home Economist- balsamic roasted pear wedges wrapped in prosciutto with gorgonzola dip
  • Dufflet Rosenberg, Dufflet Pastries- cookie bar
  • Barbara Rotberg, Lollicakes
  • Gauravi Shah, Tilde- chorizo meatballs with lime aioli and grilled pineapple salsa, bean vegballs with roasted tomato salsa and cilantro gremolata
  • Trista Sheen, Bar Begonia
  • Alida Solomon, Tutti Matti
  • Lili Sullivan, Waupoos Winery- cider braised lamb in a filo cup with spiked apple
  • Meghan Van Horne, Public Schoolhouse @ Jackson’s Falls- polenta crisp with smoked trout, chèvre, wild spinach and walnut pesto
  • Karen Viva-Haynes, VivaTastings
  • Elaine Wong, The Omni King Edward Hotel
  • Winlai Wong, The Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto
  • Jeanne Da Silva, George Brown College Chef School- edamame falafels with a cultured vegetable slaw on whole wheat tortilla cups and vegetarian BLT with coconut bacon, roasted tomatoes and a spicy avocado purée on whole grain baguette
  • Vanessa Yeung, Aphrodite Cooks
  • Eden Hertzog, New Moon Kitchen
  • Leyla Kizilirmak, Art Square Gallery and Café- organic and fair trade dark chocolate boobs
  • Carmen Jeffrey, President’s Choice Cooking School

 

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation:

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is a national community-driven charity. As the largest charitable funder of breast cancer research in Canada, CBCF’s vision is to create a future without breast cancer. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has invested over $360 million in breast cancer research, funding more than 1,400 scientific and community grants. CBCF’s investments in vital research, education, health promotion, support and information programs have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. For more information, visit cbcf.org.

 

Charitable Registration No. 12799 3608 RR0001

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Knowing It Exists Is Not enough

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month?

We all can work with our doctors to aid in increased awareness and early detection both for ourselves and for those around us. This disease can effect anyone. Even men.

Check out this infographic for more information and help support the cause by sharing this post and the graphic! Knowing it Exists is not enough.

This month I'm teaming up with Bankers Healthcare Group, a company whose focus is on providing physician loans to medical professionals, to bring awareness and urgency to early detection of breast cancer.

BHG_BCA_month_optimized_v02 (1)October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

We all can work with our doctors to aid in increased awareness and early detection both for ourselves and for those around us. This disease can effect anyone. Even men.

Check out this infographic for more information

Hi there, happy October! We're kicking off breast cancer awareness month with aYogurty's Twitter Party in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).Yogurty's hosted Twitter Party - #ISupportHealthyCups 

When: Today - Tuesday, October 1
12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET

What: Yogurty's will be tweeting fun froyo® questions throughout the noon hour and giving away prizes, including $10 Yogurty's gift cards.

*Yogen Früz will also be tweeting and giving away prizes throughout the day but most of the action will be hosted through Yogurty's Twitter during the noon hour. Please feel free to RT or tweet at either brand.
Why: Donations to the CBCF are based on customer participation, and there are two ways froyo® fans can make a difference:1. Strawberry Cheesecake with Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Yogurty’s and Yogen Früz will offer this specially created flavour for the month of October with 10% of the proceeds going to the CBCF. It’s naturally coloured pink, of course!

2. Customers can make a $1 donation in store and mark their name on a froyo® cup wall pinny which will decorate stores in pink to support the CBCF.

Handles and Hashtag: 
@Yogurtys
@YogenFruz
@CBCF_

#ISupportHealthyCups

Check out these limited edition breast cancer shoes by under armour. Available now at www.underarmour.com

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