Community Rally in Knoxville Promotes Plant-Based Diet as Key to Breast Cancer Prevention
As Breast Cancer Awareness season unfolds, the Knoxville community is invited to unite at the “Let’s Beat Breast Cancer” rally on September 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Marble City Market at 333 W Depot Ave. This impactful event, hosted by wellness coach and health advocate Lacresha Mckinney with support from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, aims to spread the lifesaving message of breast cancer prevention through nutrition and lifestyle changes.
The rally is part of a series of free events starting September 7th, organized by the Physicians Committee, a health advocacy nonprofit representing 17,000 doctors. These events are designed to raise awareness of preventive strategies that can help combat breast cancer, featuring local marching bands, heartfelt testimonials from those impacted by the disease, and plant-based food samples.
As part of the awareness campaign, the Physicians Committee has installed a billboard on the I-40 at 6th Avenue, on the south side (facing east). Colorful and bold, the text asks: “What’s Best for Your Breasts? A Plant-Based Diet Can Help Prevent Breast Cancer. LetsBeatBreastCancer.org.”
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern, with one in eight women expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 42,211 women died from breast cancer in 2022. The disease disproportionately affects Black women, who experience higher mortality rates compared to white women.
The Physicians Committee advocates for a four-pronged approach to reducing breast cancer risk:
- Eat a whole food, plant-based diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Despite this, a recent survey conducted by the Physicians Committee and Morning Consult revealed that only 28% of U.S. women are aware of the connection between diet and breast cancer. Additionally, awareness about specific dietary factors is limited, with only 23% recognizing vegetables as beneficial, 16% citing fruits, and 17% understanding that soy products can reduce risk.
Dr. Kristi Funk, a leading breast cancer surgeon and prevention expert, emphasized the importance of this message: “It’s clear that millions of women have yet to hear the lifesaving message that what they eat and drink strongly influences their chances of developing breast cancer. Science shows nearly 50% of cases are preventable through diet and lifestyle, and in my opinion, 80 to 90% of cases could be avoided.”
The Knoxville rally will feature an inspiring performance by Drums Up Guns Down, a local African drumline, and personal stories from local breast cancer survivors. Dr. Bruce Hairston will provide an informative talk on health and wellness, with a Q&A session to follow. Attendees can also enjoy fresh juice samples from Coach Cre’s Just Juice and plant-based offerings from New Food truck. Jack and Jill Knoxville will be volunteering and operating Just Juice in order to educate about healthful foods.
For more information on the steps to reduce the risk of breast cancer, visit LetsBeatBreastCancer.org.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.
