Naturals companies, nonprofit fight breast cancer

Pink Penguin Press, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to education and advocacy about lifestyle factors in disease prevention, has launched a set of publications and events sponsored by natural products manufacturers and retailers to educate and inspire people about preventing and surviving breast cancer.

Pink Penguin founder Jim Powers felt helpless as three family members struggled with breast cancer, and he decided to take action. This month, the premiere issue of inPink magazine, a breast cancer awareness and support publication, is being released.

The October issue features a survivor's story, articles on cancer-preventing foods and tips about ingredients to avoid, as well as a review of natural products. It is distributed to health food stores, alternative and conventional clinics and hospitals, and nonprofit health events.

Supplement manufacturer Ribbon Nutrition provided initial support for the projects, which also include region-specific versions of inPink and e-mail reminders for breast self-exams.

Pink Penguin's co-founder Stephen Hennessy said in a news release that breast cancer is frequently triggered by factors such as diet and exposure to toxic chemicals in personal care and household items. "As a mission-driven industry, the natural product industry can and should be a large part of the solution."

Natural Foods Merchandiser volume XXVII/number 10/p. 18