Page 11 - CCC FAll Newsletter.indd

CCC Registered Dietitian
Up-date on the Cancer Center’s diet research study
Emerging research has shown that women with a history of breast cancer who are overweight
at the time of diagnosis and at completion of treatment and beyond, face a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
The Institute of Medicine’s National Cancer
Policy Forum has identified gaps in the scope of research that exist nationally and this includes underrepresented cancer survivor groups such that are found in rural areas. In other words, us!
Through the generous support of the Treva Hoffman Foundation and in conjunction with Legacy Health in Portland, the Community Cancer Center successfully embarked on seeking FDA approval to conduct its first clinical trial.
After several months of recruiting through the media and physicians’ offices, and with interest and support from the community, the CCC’s diet research study to investigate approaches to weight loss in women with a history of breast cancer began on August 31st.
The study hopes to replicate previous research that has shown a lowering in the risk of cancer recurrence through weight loss and reduction in biomarkers (blood tests), which can be indicative of a higher risk of cancer returning.
A wonderfully enthusiastic group of 55 women were recruited, who were keen to get started
on their respective diets. Participants were randomized to either the control diet or the study intervention diet. Both groups had initial blood work drawn and this will be repeated in twelve weeks and any changes analyzed.
On orientation day, the two groups had waist and hip measurements taken and were measured on a medical bioimpedance machine. Measurements will be repeated monthly and the scale which analyses body composition will show expected changes in fat tissues and muscle mass as the study progresses.
The process of recording data for future statistical analysis begins now and we are fortunate to have the help and guidance of a Legacy Health Statistician in this endeavor.
The study orientation day was busy and lively and made easier with help from our wonderful volunteer staff. Special thanks to Saundra Aker, Kelly Moore, Jenny Wood, Charlotte Newkirk and Andi Bertlin.
Ally F. Gottfried MFN, RD. LD Principal Investigator Clinical Dietitian
Ally Gottfried