The acronym BRENDA, created by Nicole Surratte, a board member at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, represents a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), particularly among African-American women. BRENDA stands for:
- Breastfeed.
- Reduce alcohol.
- Exercise.
- Nutritious foods.
- Don’t smoke.
- Achieve a healthy body weight.
The Importance of Inclusivity in Research
Currently, African-Americans account for only 2 percent of participants in vital cancer research studies, according to Margot Savoy, M.D., MPH, FAAFP, medical director of Family & Community Medicine. Dr. Savoy emphasizes the need for greater participation to ensure that African-American communities are not left behind in medical advancements.
Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, which makes it particularly challenging to treat as it does not respond to hormonal therapies or drugs that target HER2 receptors. TNBC accounts for 15-20 percent of all breast cancers and is more prevalent among African-American women than those of European or Asian descent. The current treatment option is primarily chemotherapy, but TNBC often recurs and spreads more rapidly than other breast cancer types.
Components of BRENDA
Breastfeed: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce inflammation in the breast, which can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Jennifer Sims-Mourtada, Ph.D., director of Translational Breast Cancer Research at the Graham Cancer Center, highlights breastfeeding as a preventative measure.
Reduce Alcohol: Limiting alcohol intake is crucial, as alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including breast cancer.
Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces cancer risk by improving immune function and reducing inflammation.
Nutritious Foods: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients that help protect against cancer. At least 13 types of cancer are associated with obesity, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
Don’t Smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for numerous cancers. Avoiding tobacco products is essential for cancer prevention.
Achieve a Healthy Body Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is critical, as obesity is a known risk factor for several cancers. Overweight individuals are also less likely to undergo cancer screenings, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
The Need for Greater Awareness and Participation
Delaware has the highest rate of triple-negative breast cancer in the nation. To combat this, the Graham Cancer Center’s Breast Cancer Community Research Advisory Board has developed “Train the Trainer: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Project,” an outreach tool designed to educate about TNBC risk factors and treatment options. This initiative also encourages more African-American women to participate in clinical trials and research studies to ensure that treatments are effective across diverse populations.
The BRENDA approach provides a practical and holistic method to reduce the risk of triple-negative breast cancer. By incorporating these lifestyle changes, women can take proactive steps towards better health. Increasing participation in research studies is essential to developing treatments that are effective for all populations. Together, these efforts can help reduce the incidence and improve the outcomes of TNBC among African-American women.
