Eat well, exercise more and drum your way to zero cancer

Learn to reduce cancer by 50%

While looking forward to the birth of her first child five years ago, Carol Beaulieu discovered she had breast cancer.

“I was so scared. I never thought I would be able to have children and when I did become pregnant I got breast cancer.”

The cancer was detected early because she went for regular breast screenings, Beaulieu said.

“In the end, my child and I were fine. But let me tell you, getting the word out on prevention is extremely important. You should get yourself checked at least once every two years.”

Getting the word out is exactly what CancerCare Manitoba wants to do with its upcoming Beat Cancer Drum Cafe.

“Drum Cafe is going to beat the cancer out of you – literally,” said Katie Watters, education co-ordinator with the Manitoba breast screening program at CancerCare Manitoba.

“It’s going to be a fun way to learn how you can reduce the risk of cancer.”

The cafe – or drum jam as it’s being called – will feature internationally acclaimed drum group Drum Cafe.

Kimberly Templeton, recruitment and health specialist with the Manitoba cervical cancer screening program, said she hopes to see more than 200 people attend.

“Not only do we want to make people aware of ways to reduce cancer, the event will also launch the new CancerCare video, Reduce Your Risk,” Templeton said.

The 30-minute video features segments on cancer prevention, breast screening and colorectal and cervical screening.

“It’s very important for us to get the message out there that up to 50% of cancers can be prevented,” said Watters.

Two of the most important things you can do for yourself is eat lots of fruits and vegetables and exercise, she adds.

“Exercise is extremely important for women as it produces natural estrogen cancer-fighting cells,” she said.

As for food, Templeton says the darker green a vegetable is, the better it is for you.

“Broccoli is a powerhouse. And so are orange fruits.”

Beaulieu will be one of many speakers at the event.

Beat Cancer Drum Cafe take place Saturday, April 26, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, in the University of Winnipeg.

Admission is free. However, you must call to register at 788-8626.