Jan. 2015 Cancer PreventionWorks

Y M C A

PURE BARRE

SOUL CYCLE

HEALTHY EATING

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Indoor fitness trends

Cooking seasonally in winter

Issue:Jan. 2015

IN THE WORLD OF CANCER

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The future of cancerscreening?Spotlight on skin cancer

CHALLENGE2014

FANTASY FOOTBALL

PREVENTIVE MEASURES & GENERAL WELLNESS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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Colorectal cancer rises among young adultsGetting technicalHealth insurance deadline February 15 (p.11)

Small events can make abig impact

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Politics and preventionBe an expert advocate

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Foundation news

Inaugural AdvocacyAcademy prepares for next CongressThe Prevent Cancer Foundation heldits inaugural Advocacy Academy in the District of Columbia on December 3, 2014. More than 50 policy and advocacy colleagues from diverse organizationsattended the event with a goal of craftinga shared advocacy agenda for the114th Congress, which was sworn in January 6, 2015. Led by a professional facilitator who is also a scientific strategist, participants discussed what the current cancer pre-vention landscape looks like and worked together to define a vision for preven-tion policy success. Among many other components, this best-case scenario for prevention policy success includes:• Improved access to equitable care for all individuals• Enhanced public awareness of prevention behaviors and early detection strategies• Incentives for preventive habits and disincentives for unhealthy behaviors • An environment conducive to healthy lifestyles• Opportunities to improve health literacy• An appreciation among policy makers of the long-term benefits of prevention

Participants also brainstormed the barriers that might stand in the way of achieving such a vision. Strategies were

Dear Readers,

The new year gives us anopportunity to pause and reflect on the year just ended—things that we are proud of, those we would do differently—and decide what we would like to accomplish in 2015. In these pages you will read about the important break-throughs and remarkableprogress that occurred in 2014. Though we still have work to do, we can all be proud of the year we have had in promoting cancer prevention and early detection. You will also read more about what to expect with the 114th Congress and its new members as we resolve to fight even harder to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!™

And, as always, we have included some advice to help you and your family in your resolutionsto eat healthy and exercise more to reduce your risk for cancer.

Cheers to a healthy andsuccessful year!

Carolyn AldigéPresident and Founder

President’sCorner

developed to overcome these barriers and the group committed to working together to en-

sure that cancer prevention is addressed not only in the 114th Congress, but in state legislatures and communities across the country. One of the leading themes of the day was the need for cancer and other chronic disease advocates to work together in order to advance a prevention policy agenda. A majority of participantssupported forming a broader prevention policy coalition to continue the momen-tum of the Advocacy Academy. The Prevent Cancer Foundationalso debuted its Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit, which provides information,tips for working with legislators and templates for individuals interestedin being their own best self-advocates. For more information, please visitwww.preventcancer.org/advocacy.

PreventCancer.org 3

Inaugural AdvocacyAcademy prepares for next Congress

Research progress report:Frizzled 9 and lung cancer chemopreventionEvery year, lung cancer leads to more deaths than any other cancer. Anestimated 159,2601 Americans wereexpected to die from lung cancer in 2014, accounting for about 27% of all cancer deaths. The Foundation is committed tolung cancer prevention research and currently supports five researchers studying different aspects of prevent-ing this deadly disease. One of these researchers is Meredith Tennis, Ph.D., of the University of Colorado Denver. Her project focuses on Frizzled 9, a protein that helps to maintain normal lungtissue, as a potential biomarker2 topredict how patients may respond tothe drug iloprost, a drug being usedfor chemoprevention.

1According to the American Cancer Society2Biomarker - a biological indicator of a medical condition or illness

What led to your interest in lungcancer prevention research?I lost my father to cancer at a youngage, so cancer prevention is a very personal cause that I strongly support. I began my graduate work investigating the risk of lung cancer in women with previous breast cancer diagnoses and soon realized the importance ofpreventing second cancers in survivors. Since then, I have become passionate about how science can develop improved personalized prevention strategies andreduce the harm lung cancer causes around the world.

How is your research progressing?We have shown that cigarette smoke leads to decreased Frizzled 9 levels in laboratory and mouse experiments and that Frizzled 9 is required to respond to iloprost. In a clinical trial of current and former smokers, only former smokers responded to iloprost. We hypothesize that removing exposure to cigarette smoke restores Frizzled 9 levels andallows patients to benefit from iloprost. Our preliminary data suggest that smoking stops Frizzled 9 from protecting lung tissue and that the effectiveness of iloprost may be altered by environmental factors that cause genes to be switched on or off. Determining exactly how cigarette smoke affects Frizzled 9 is a new area of investigation arising from this project. We hope that this project will help us determine who will respond to lung cancer chemoprevention byiloprost so we can provide the drug to the patients who are most likely to benefit.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation has been at the forefront of progress in lung cancer prevention and early detection.

“Because lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in America and around the globe, the Foundation has always placed a strong emphasis on advancing research and awareness in that area,” said Carolyn Aldigé, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The Foundation was a key contributor to early conversations on the use of low-dose spiral CT screening to detect lung cancer early, and continues topromote screening for high-risk individuals through programs andeducational materials. The Foundation also works to call attention to impor-tant lung cancer issues like the stigma that comes with diagnosis, the lack of research funding and the lack ofclinical trials. Dr. Tennis’ project is one of numerous projects on lung cancer prevention and early detection that the Foundation has funded since 1985.

The future of cancerscreening?

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Imagine visiting the lab to have your blood drawn and getting screened for multiple cancers with one blood test!Recently, three scientific teams shared findings that may bring us one step closer to this possibility. Members of the Early Cancer Detec-tion Consortium in the United Kingdom (U.K.) are trying to find biomarkers,or biological indicators of medicalconditions or illnesses, that couldbe used to develop such a test. They began by identifying approximately800 blood-based biomarkers in cancer patients. Next, they will study whichof these may be able to indicate thepresence of cancer accurately. Researchers from the University of Bradford in the U.K. have developed the Lymphocyte Genome Sensitivity test, which looks at the DNA inside white

Colorectal cancer has long beenconsidered a disease of older adults. While age is still a risk factor, the good news is that the number of people being diagnosed with the disease has consis-tently declined over the past 30 years. Screening tools such as colonoscopies are primarily responsible for thispositive trend. Yet, unfortunately for people under50, there has been a dramatic increasein colorectal cancer diagnoses among their age group. According to research-ers at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, this increase is greatest among people ages 20 to 34 years and is expected todouble in the coming years. These young people are also more likely to detect

Colorectal cancer rises among young adults

in the world oF cancer

Preventive Measures & General wellness

blood cells and measures the damage caused by different intensities of ultravi-olet light. Early results show differences in this damage among healthy patients and patients with cancer or with pre-cancerous conditions. These differences were seen in melanoma, colon cancer and lung cancer. An international team of scientists at Miroculus (a new biotech firm in the U.S.) is studying microRNAs, the tiny molecules found in the blood that regu-late gene expression. Studies have shown that abnormal microRNA expression shows unique patterns for disease pro-gression and specific cancers. So far, they have identified patterns for pancreatic, lung, breast and hepatic cancers. There is still a lot of work to do to see if any of these studies will become screening tests. That is why funding early detection research is so important—it helps increase our understanding ofcancer and identify ways to stop itsdevelopment and detect it beforesymptoms surface.

their cancer in later stages, and they may be unprepared to navigate a disease that was completely unexpected. Although it is unclear what is driving this trend, it is particularly discourag-ing because colorectal cancer is largely preventable. Risk factors for the disease include tobacco use, obesity and heavy drinking. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as a poor diet (particularly one heavy in red and processed meats),unhealthy weight and lack of exercise can be significant contributors. Research has shown that African-Americans have the highest ratesof colorectal cancer incidence andmortality among all racial groups in the U.S., and Jews of Eastern European

PreventCancer.org 5

Spotlight on skin cancerIn the second half of 2014, we saw huge strides in skin cancer prevention. This progress is critical because skin cancer is the most common cancer and is also the most preventable. More than 76,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma—the most dangerous type of skincancer—and almost 10,000 die of the disease each year. In July, then-Acting Surgeon General Dr. Boris Lushniak took a significant step toward cancer prevention and early detection by issuing a call to action to prevent skin cancer. Dr. Lushniak is a dermatologist by trade, and recognizes the dangers of ultraviolet rays in both indoor and out-door tanning and the easy steps that the public can take to protect themselves. The Surgeon General’s call to action on skin cancer came on the heels of an announcement by the Food and Drug

in the world oF cancer

Administration (FDA) that it will soon require labels on tanning beds and lamps, warning against use by anyone younger than 18. Many are calling these moves a major “win” for public health and a sign of what’s to come in skin cancer prevention.

Some are even drawing comparisonsto the Surgeon General’s report on smoking and health in 1964 and the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertis-ing Act of 1965, both of which had an enormous impact on tobacco cessation rates in the U.S. In 2014 Congress passed the Sunscreen Innovation Act, which will give the FDA

a deadline for approving newsunscreens. The FDA currentlyhas a backlog of eight new sunscreenapplications; the last sunscreeningredient to be approved was in 1999. The Prevent Cancer Foundationis an active partner in all of theseinitiatives, and applauds the work of each of these agencies on these impor-tant public health measures, whichcan have a significant impact on skin

cancer prevention. What can youdo to prevent skin cancer? Reduceyour risk by limit-ing your exposure to the sun (especially at its brightest), always wearing sunscreen and lip balm with UVB and UVA

protection with SPF 30 or more, and avoiding sun lamps and tanning beds completely. To learn more, visitwww.preventcancer.org. You can also become an advocateand push your community to become sun-safe by providing shade at parks, schools and public spaces, and banning indoor tanning facilities.

descent are also at higher risk. This development is troubling, butit is within our power to stop it in its tracks. It’s important that young people know their family medical histories,as this is a critical indicator of whomight develop the disease. It is equally important for young adults to know the warning signs of cancer. They can be their own health advocates by paying attention to changes in their bodies and speaking with their health care profes-sionals about any medical concerns. The Prevent Cancer Foundation continues its work to fund research and educate the public to help to reverse this potentially devastating trend.

90% 124%

28% 46% Projected increase of incidenceof colon and rectal cancersamong young adults by 2030.

COLON CANCER RECTAL CANCER

AGES

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49AG

ES 2

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DIE OF SKIN CANCER EACH YEAR

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Eating healthy year-round is essential to reduce your risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Winter produce offers an array of ingredients rich innutrients and earthy in flavor. Beloware a few suggestions of warm winter dishes that incorporate fresh, healthyand tasty ingredients into soups, stews and casseroles.

SQUASH is a hearty ingredient and a quintessential winter flavor. The winter variety of squash has a harder rind than the spring variety, and should always be peeled. The starchy and sweet flavor can

Today, technology is so ingrained in our everyday lives, sometimes we don’t even notice it’s there. By now we are used to smartphones that put the world at our fingertips. But with a recent onslaught of health-related technology cropping up, the health community is sitting up, logging on and taking notice.

Getting technical Cookingseasonallyin winter

WEARABLESWearable fitness devices have been around for a while, but with the hotly-anticipated Apple Watch to be released in 2015, they are getting a second life. Even the most basic wearables can track your steps and monitor your sleep. They help youtake note of how much you’re walk-ing or running and remind you to make smart choices. Most devices will connect with an app you can download onto your smartphoneto help manage your health, andare intended to start you on theroad to better health and prevention.

APPSThere are hundreds of thousandsof apps to choose from to help you eat better, sleep better, move moreor manage other aspects of your health. One of the most popular apps, MyFitnessPal, helps you set goals, track calorie intakeand activity and monitor yourprogress. Other apps, like foodtweeks, are more advice-oriented: this app lets you enter in the food you wantto eat, and then suggests “tweaks”for you to make your meal healthier. Even hospitals are seeing the benefitsof personal technology, developing apps to communicate with theirhealth care teams and managepatients’ records online.

EFFECTIVENESSGadgets and apps can be helpful in monitoring your health, but in the end, YOU are still your own best advocate. Remember that apps and devices are simply tools to help you live a healthy life. Of the 430,000 health-related apps available by 2013, only 103 were regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it is essential to use apps with caution. You should also be mindful thattechnology cannot and should not take the place of regular health checkups with your doctor. Do a little research and read thereviews on wearables or any apps you’re thinking about downloading.In particular, be wary of apps thatclaim to diagnose an illness oridentify a disease; even if an app says you are in the clear, it is importantto visit your health care professional to discuss outcomes.

healthY eatinG

SOUL CYCLE (OR FLY WHEEL OR ZENGO)Incorporating hand

weights, choreography and music, this 45-min.

class will work your whole body. If it’s your first time, be sure to arrive early and ask

the front desk for help adjusting your bike.

PURE BARREThis high-intensity,

low-impact class usesa ballet barre to help

sculpt your hips, thighs, seat, abdominals and arms. Classes are 55 minutes long and donot require any dance

experience. Depending on your diet and other variables, Pure Barre

says you can seeresults after 10 classes.

PURE BARRE

SOUL CYCLE

DISCLAIMER: The Prevent Cancer Foundation is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse or have any financial relationship with, any of the companies mentioned in this story.

COMMUNITY CENTERSMost local community

centers, gyms and YMCAs also offer

classes. Search onlineto find out what’s being offered in your area. The sheer variety guarantees there is something to fit your interests, schedule

and price range.

Y M C A

Don’t let the winter chill bean excuse to stop moving. Moderate exercise just three times a week can significantly improve your health and reduce your cancer risk. Rise to the challenge and stay active, despite the cold!

BEACHBODYThese videos can be

used in your home with your personal weights, mats and bands. Videos range from 30-90 mins. each. Each set of videos comes with a suggested

workout calendar and eating plan.

Indoor fitness trends

7

be used in both savory dishes and desserts.Examples: Pumpkin, Butternut Squash

ROOT VEGETABLES are often used year-round in classic comfort dishes. The starchy quality of root vegetables offer limitless creative options. The density of the roots stands up to slow-cooked dishes, soups and roasting. They makea great side dish puréed. The starchcreates a creamy texture. Examples:Parsnips, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes

WINTER GREENS are hearty and full of flavor. They can be eaten raw in salads, alone as a side or incorporated into a dish such as a soup, stew or casserole. Winter greens have a stronger flavor than their spring counterparts. Cook these hearty greens to bring out a softer, sometimes even sweet flavor. Examples: Kale, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage

CRISP WINTER FRUITS areversatile and add a bright punch offlavor to the dense flavors of winterproduce. Winter fruits add a sweetand tangy component to dressingsand chutneys or make a great snackon their own. Examples: Kumquats, Clementines, Pomegranates, Persimmons

Winter produce is full of nutrients and unique flavors. Be adventurous and try some of these delicious ingredients.

PreventCancer.org

SOUL CYCLE (OR FLY WHEEL OR ZENGO)Incorporating hand

weights, choreography and music, this 45-min.

class will work your whole body. If it’s your first time, be sure to arrive early and ask

the front desk for help adjusting your bike.

PURE BARREThis high-intensity,

low-impact class usesa ballet barre to help

sculpt your hips, thighs, seat, abdominals and arms. Classes are 55 minutes long and donot require any dance

experience. Depending on your diet and other variables, Pure Barre

says you can seeresults after 10 classes.

PURE BARRE

SOUL CYCLE

DISCLAIMER: The Prevent Cancer Foundation is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse or have any financial relationship with, any of the companies mentioned in this story.

COMMUNITY CENTERSMost local community

centers, gyms and YMCAs also offer

classes. Search onlineto find out what’s being offered in your area. The sheer variety guarantees there is something to fit your interests, schedule

and price range.

Y M C A

Don’t let the winter chill bean excuse to stop moving. Moderate exercise just three times a week can significantly improve your health and reduce your cancer risk. Rise to the challenge and stay active, despite the cold!

BEACHBODYThese videos can be

used in your home with your personal weights, mats and bands. Videos range from 30-90 mins. each. Each set of videos comes with a suggested

workout calendar and eating plan.

Indoor fitness trends

GRANT

YEAR

GRANT

YEAR

FIDGOR TEXASHOLD’EM TOURNAMENT

FIDGOR TEXASHOLD’EM TOURNAMENT

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Small events can makea big impactOften when individuals and familiesare touched by cancer they want to do something to make a difference. They want to help prevent others from hearing the devastating news, “you have cancer.” The Prevent Cancer Foundation has been honored to be the recipient ofbeneficiary fundraisers, which areusually held in memory or honorof someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. No event is too small ortoo out of the box. Events have beenas simple as a child making purple lapel ribbons—her mom’s favorite color—and selling them in her honor as she battled colon cancer, and a group of friends holding a crazy hat party to remembera friend who loved to wear hats andwho is now greatly missed. Some events become an annualtradition, like the Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament hosted by Foundation Board Member Drew Figdor and hiswife Michele each year, which raises $150,000 to fully fund a two-year re-search grant. Foundation friends Head-ley Butler, Stuart Prince, Roger Edwards and Victor Maddux have organized a

Fantasy Football Challenge annu-ally for the last four years, which has raised more than $10,000 during an evening of fun and good-natured competition. Last summer, Carrie Amaya in Wisconsin hosted a Poker Runto raise funds for prostate cancerresearch in honor of her father.And we were delighted when Linda Castelli of Staten Island hosted aluncheon for cancer survivors like her, which not only raised funds, but also raised awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. It is our hope that each of these events has been a source of healingfor those touched by cancer—andthe funds raised through theseevents will have a significant impacton finding new ways to preventcancer or detect it early when itis most treatable. If you are interested in hostinga beneficiary event, please contact Jessie Edington at [email protected] or 703-519-2119.

MaKe a diFFerence

CROSSFIT

POKER RUN

BENEFIT CONCERT

Compete with othergyms and charge entrance fees toparticipate.

Get a popular band(or several) to donatetheir ticket proceeds.

POKERRUN

Have a motorcycle?Gather your friendsand charge an entryfee to participate.Select five checkpoints where you can pickup cards. At the final checkpoint, the besthand wins!

BENE

FIT

CONC

ERT

CHALLENGE2014

FANTASY FOOTBALL

PreventCancer.org 9

Politics and preventionadvocacY news

The 114th Congress was sworn in on January 6, 2015. For the first time in eight years, both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are controlled

by Republicans, with President Barack Obama, a Democrat, in the White House. While it is critical for our nation’s lawmakers to work together toward meaningful accomplishments in this Congress, it will be a challenge with opposing parties in the legislative and executive branches and a lame duck president. The Affordable Care Act will continue to be implemented nationwide. However,

most expect that Republicans willcontinue to hold votes to repeal orweaken the law, which will then be swiftly vetoed by President Obama. The U.S. Supreme Court will alsotake up King v. Burwell and will rule whether the federal government canoffer health insurance subsidies toindividuals in states that do not run their own insurance exchanges. In other words, government-provided financial assistance to low-income individuals and families is at risk. More than fivemillion subsidies across the countryto help people pay for health insurance have already been granted at an average

of $4,700 per person. If these subsidies are eliminated, it could be devastatingto the most vulnerable individualsand families. Even though the 2016 presidential election is 21 months away, the cycleis well underway and will continue to play a significant role in the businessof Washington over the next two years. To receive updates and insight intohow all these issues will impact cancerprevention and early detection, visitwww.preventcancer.org/advocacy.

U.S. SENATE

57%

43%

54%

44%

2%

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

REPUBLICAN

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Be an expert advocateWhile it is critical for individuals to actively play a role in their own cancer prevention and early detection efforts, collectively we can effect even greater change through broad advocacy efforts at local, state and national levels. Advo-cacy, in the classic sense, is influencing decision and policy makers in supportor opposition of a cause or policy. Yet, most people have never set foot onCapitol Hill or in their state legislatures. The Prevent Cancer Foundationbelieves that advocacy is much more than supporting legislation or being involved in politics. It includes a widearray of activities and efforts. The Foun-dation recently released Prevention, a grassroots advocacy toolkit to support individuals interested in taking action in

their own lives and communities, aswell as nationwide. Engaging in advocacy does not have to be difficult; the toolkit provides simple information, tips and tools to support legislative, policy, per-sonal, community and media advocacy. The Prevent Cancer Foundationcreated this toolkit because we knowthat individual advocates across the country are our strongest resource. Their experiences, stories, interestsand actions can —and do—have asignificant impact on decision makers and policies that influence the health and well-being of our nation.

Download this free resource atwww.preventcancer.org/advocacy

THE TOOLKIT INCLUDES:1. Talking points about cancer prevention and early detection2. Advocacy 101 information, including a checklist to help you get started3. Advocacy tools andtemplates, such as phone call scripts, letter examples and meeting tips4. Media tools and templates, such as op-ed and letter to the editor examples, as wellas social media tips5. Federal advocacy resources6. State advocacy resources7. Glossary of advocacy terms

PreventCancer.org 11

uPcoMinG events and news

Preventive Measures & General wellness

Health insurancedeadline February 15Open enrollment, when individualscan purchase health insurance plansor change their existing plans on the health insurance marketplace, will end February 15, 2015. It is particularlycritical that people living with cancer or those who are at risk for the disease make their decisions and lock in their plans by that date. This applies to all plans that were created under theAffordable Care Act, otherwise knownas health care reform. These plansprovide “essential health benefits,” including preventive services, and many consumers will qualify for financial as-sistance to help pay for their coverage.

Visit www.healthcare.gov formore information.

March 6, Annual Spring GalaApril 22-24, Dialogue for Action™ conference & Laurels LuncheonMay 4-5, Lung Cancer Workshop

Before shopping for insurance, indiv-iduals living with cancer (or at riskfor the disease) should also downloadthe Cancer Insurance Checklist. This checklist provides information onthe resources, services and costs that consumers should consider whencomparing insurance plans.

This free resource is availablein English and Spanish atwww.cancerinsurancechecklist.org

Cancer Insurance ChecklistYour guide to shopping

for insurance on the Marketplace/Exchange

if you have cancer, have a history of cancer, or are at risk for cancer.

CancerInsuranceChecklist.org

Gettingtechnical

News for 2015

1600 Duke Street, Suite 500,Alexandria, VA 22314

TO SUBSCRIBE, CONTACT:Prevent Cancer Foundation1600 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314Toll-Free: (800) 227-2732 Main: (703) 836-4412Email: [email protected]: PreventCancer.org

Cancer PreventionWorks is published by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and early detection of cancer. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign (#11074).

The futureof cancerscreening?

Politics andprevention