Good food is just the beginning when it comes to the Cancer Project. This organization, founded in 1991, provides a wealth of information to both cancer patients and those looking for ways to prevent cancer.

The Cancer Project “aims first to prevent cancer.” With a primary focus on nutrition, the Cancer Project seeks to educate people in making good dietary choices that help prevent cancer. Secondly, when cancer has been diagnosed, the Cancer Project “works to improve survival,” again by way of nutrition and healthy food choices.

Through innovative classes, a stellar website, books, newsletters and videos/DVDs, the Cancer Project offers assistance to cancer patients and those who care for them. Here are just some of the services they provide:

“Food For Life” Nutrition and Cooking Classes. These classes are developed by physicians, registered dieticians, and nutrition experts. Each class is designed to inform us about foods and nutrients that work to prevent the growth of cancer (as well as those that might encourage it). Simple recipes are provided, along with a demonstration of how to prepare them.

I can personally vouch for these classes. When I attended last year, we met in a hospital conference room. Our instructor (who happened to be a chef at one of the best vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco) carted blenders, mixers, pots, pans, utensils, hot plates, and enough food to feed 20 people over 50 miles to make our evening a success. She then proceeded to walk us through the preparation, step by step (it was easy), with a full explanation of every ingredient and why it was beneficial.

Literature. The Survivor’s Handbook: Eating Right for Cancer Survival. More than just a cookbook, the Survivor’s Handbook works as a guide to help us understand the latest scientific research and how it relates to our everyday choices regarding food and nutrition. Healthy Eating for Life: Food Choices for Cancer Prevention & Survival is a brochure that explains the benefits of a vegetarian diet and suggests many ways you can incorporate recipes into your meal plans, even if you aren’t ready to make a complete switch yet.

Videos and DVDs. Eating Right for Cancer Survival consists of eight separate lectures that discuss how proper eating can bring substantial changes to your health and well being. This video (or DVD) is designed as a companion to The Survivor’s Handbook, but can also be used by itself.

Quarterly Newsletters and Recipes of the Week. Stay current by subscribing to the newsletter (email or regular mail). Recipes of the Week are delivered by email and are a great way to “test the water,” so to speak, as you consider changing to healthier ways of eating.

You'll find a direct link to the Cancer Project’s website below.

Salut!