Dear Editor:
A series of long-running studies have identified a troubling racial gap in breast cancer mortality rates. Research suggests that African-American women are on average 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women.
The findings are jarring for all women, since we all have a vested interest in defeating breast cancer together. I, too, am considered high-risk and reducing that risk is important to me. That’s one of the reasons I’m vegan.
According to Dr. Jane Plant, a British scientist, cancer survivor, and author of The No-Dairy Breast Cancer Prevention Program, “Undoubtedly, the best anti-cancer diet would be to go completely vegan.” Meat and dairy products are full of cholesterol, saturated fat, excess protein, hormones, and other harmful substances that increase breast cancer risk. But a vegan diet maximizes intake of foods that help us fight cancer—fiber-packed grains and beans and phytochemical-packed fruits and vegetables.
I intend to arm myself against breast cancer with every weapon I’ve got. Going vegan is one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I hope other women will join me. For a free vegetarian/vegan starter kit, please visit www.PETA.org.
