'Let’s Beat Breast Cancer' Rally Coming To Downtown Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL — The Tinley Park and surrounding community is invited to join the "Let’s Beat Breast Cancer" rally on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harmony Square in the heart of downtown Tinley Park.

Organized by Building Healthy Communities leader Janet Pearson, the event is supported by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and focuses on the importance of breast cancer prevention strategies.

The rally is part of a series of dozens of free events being held across the globe and organized this breast cancer awareness season by the Physicians Committee, a health advocacy nonprofit representing 17,000 doctors.

The interactive community event in Tinley Park will feature performances by local drumlines from Tinley Park High School and VanderCook Music School, inspiring speakers, breast cancer thrivers sharing their personal stories, educational information, and opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about making a difference.

"This campaign is urgently needed," said Registered Dietitian Stephanie McBurnett, a nutrition educator with the Physicians Committee. "Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, yet many women are not receiving information about the role lifestyle can play in reducing the risk."

In a national survey, more than 80 percent of women reported that their health care providers had not discussed with them the role of diet in the prevention of breast cancer.

"The Let’s Beat Breast Cancer campaign helps close this critical information gap by making practical, lifesaving education accessible to everyone," McBurnett said.

The National Cancer Institute reports that 1 in 8 women born in the United States today will develop breast cancer, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women have a disproportionately high breast cancer death rate.

The Physicians Committee encourages people to reduce breast cancer risk by following the research-backed four-pronged approach:

• Eat a whole food, plant-based diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

It’s a strategy the American Medical Association has endorsed. A policy was drafted by Neal Barnard, MD, president of the Physicians Committee and Alternate Delegate to the AMA for the Medical Society of the District of Columbia, that calls on physicians to regularly discuss with patients the lifestyle changes that can help prevent breast cancer, including getting regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy body weight, and eating a plant-based diet.

"Bring a percussion instrument, join the rhythm, make some noise, and raise your voice for breast cancer prevention," said Pearson. "Whether it’s a drum, tambourine, maracas, shaker, or any instrument that keeps the beat, your participation will help create an unforgettable experience while spreading this lifesaving message throughout our community."

For more information on the steps to reduce 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.