A cancer survivor from Albany credits a healthy diet and lifestyle for helping her overcome cancer, and now she’s sharing her knowledge with women battling breast cancer this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’m telling you.
For Patricia Thomson, leading a breast cancer rally alongside Albany’s Vegfest earlier this month was a no-brainer. After all, she says, vegetables and a healthy diet go hand in hand in the fight against cancer. “We want the public to be aware of breast cancer and know that there are things we can do to prevent and reduce the risk of breast cancer,” says cancer survivor and advocate. Patricia Thomson said.
One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that approximately 19,000 people in New York state will be diagnosed with cancer this year alone. However, a new survey sponsored by the Physicians Committee shows that only 28% of American women are aware of the link between diet and breast cancer.
Patricia says people diagnosed with cancer can take action to fight cancer with just four steps to a healthier diet. Add more plants to your diet, reduce your alcohol intake, increase or add more exercise, and maintain a healthy weight.
“I adopted a really healthy lifestyle for my health. I’m a thyroid cancer survivor, my sister is a breast cancer survivor, and my aunt lost her life to breast cancer, so I’ve adopted a really healthy lifestyle for my life. I really wanted to take action on my life,” Thomson said.
Her diagnosis set her on a path. Currently, Patricia is a Certified Nutrition Instructor through the Physicians Commission for Responsible Medicine. She is also a certified cook and has led cooking demonstrations at breast cancer rallies and Vegfests to show that no matter what your genetics are, healthy food still tastes good and that simple things can lower your risk. Ta.
“I’ve been doing it for almost 14 years now, and I’m still here because it changed my life.”
