According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, the 25% of Americans who eat the fewest fruits and vegetables have double the cancer rate for most types of cancer.  Here's the top 5 cancer-fighting foods:

1.  Peppers: Crisp, sweet and brightly colored

2.  Cabbage, broccoli, califlowers, collards, kale Brussels sprouts, bok shoy, mustard greens, radishes, rutabaga, turnips and watercress

3.  Berries: Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries

4.  Tomato-based foods: Pasta sauce, tomato paste, ketchup and salsa

5.  Apples, especially the peel

By eating 5 to 9 servings from fruit to vegetables a day you can reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

As you may be aware, Charming Chick supports a variety of Awareness causes, including Ovarian Cancer Awareness.  Through the years I have met many inspirational woman who have survived Ovarian Cancer.  Therefore I wanted to pass along the following information regarding a free course for cancer survivors, friends and family members.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation will be sponsoring an Ovarian Cancer Survivors Course on Feb. 7th, 2009.  This is a free, full day course where you can hear from some of the nation's leading ovarian cancer experts.  The event will be at the Hnery B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX.

To register please visit www.thegcf.org

In honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to share a little information about who is at risk for Ovarian Cancer.  According to the Massachusetts Ovarian Cancer Awareness Coalition, it is estimated that over 16,000 women in the U.S. will die of Ovarian Cancer this year.  No doubt it is important to know the signs and your risks.

If you would like to read more about symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, check out my August article.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a woman that has significant family history of Ovarian Cancer is at a higher risk herself. A close family member can be your:

* Mother
* Father
* Sister
* Brother
* Grandparent (on your mother's or father's side)
* Mother's sister and/or brother
* Father's sister and/or brother

Having a family history of cancer does not mean you are going to certainly get cancer. Many factors, such as family history and age, may increase a person's risk of cancer. Unfortunately not all of the causes are known at this time.

To learn more about genetic testing, as well as more details on how genes affect cancer, please visit the National Cancer Institute's website.

I encourage every woman to talk to her doctor about her risks and the signs of Ovarian Cancer.   This September, help spread the word to family and friends that being aware can significantly increase your chances of early detection, and often, survival.

For some of my favorite Ovarian Cancer Awareness jewelry, click the pictures below:

This September we celebrate Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, which is a wonderful opportunity to spread awareness and promote research.  Remind your sisters, mothers, and friends that regular screening and early detection is the key to survival.

Thousands of women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer this year, and many will not survive.  Please make yourself and your loved ones aware of some of the warning signs and talk to your doctor about your risks.

For common symptoms and risk factors, please see the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund's website.  Additionally you can find out more about the Presidential Proclomation of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month on the White House website.

From all of us here at Charming Chick, thank you for working so hard to promote Awareness of Ovarian Cancer.  Working together, we pray that one day a cure will be found.

Do you know the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? Currently there is no specific test for Ovarian Cancer, so all women should be aware of the symptoms in order to increase early detection.

According to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, the most common symptoms include:
• Vague but persistent and unexplained gastrointestinal complaints such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
• Abdominal bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, and/or feeling of fullness
• Unexplained change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Frequency and/or urgency of urination
• Unusual fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• New and unexplained abnormal postmenopausal vaginal bleeding

To read more about Ovarian Cancer symptoms and risk factors, check out the Johns Hopkins Ovarian Cancer Center Excellence.

For some of my favorite Ovarian Cancer Awareness jewelry, click the pictures below:

Do you know a cancer survivor? In some way, we have all been impacted or know someone that has been impacted by this life-changing disease. June 1st marks the 21st Annual National Cancer Survivors Day - the perfect time to show a cancer Survivor that you care. It is a celebration of life and a way to show the world that surviving is a possibility - and a reality.

The non-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities by providing free guidance, education and networking. You can find an event in your local community or organize your own community event.

Whether or not you attend an event, this is a great time to show a friend or family member that is living with or has survived cancer that you support him or her. Whether you send a note with a small gift, or just give your Survivor a hug, your support can make a difference.

Looking for an inexpensive but meaningful gift for a cancer Survivor? Click the pictures below for some of my favorites: