Moving Forward
Moving Forward is a community-based weight loss program to improve breast cancer patients' overall health, quality of life, and to reduce their risk for recurrence. Researchers at UI Health's Institute for Health Research and Policy are helping African American breast cancer survivors through weight loss intervention to address health behavior change at an individual level while acknowledging the importance of culture, family lifestyles, community traditions and social support.
African American women exhibit higher breast cancer mortality rates than white women. In Chicago, the breast cancer mortality rate for black women is 116 percent higher than the rate for white women. Diet and physical activity patterns and obesity contribute to breast cancer progression and may intensify other conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers will determine if the program is effective in:
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They are also evaluating the effect of weight loss on:
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Women in the program are randomized to either a guided group that meets twice weekly or a self-guided group where they will receive the curriculum and go through it on their own time. The guided group will receive a complimentary membership at the Chicago Park District during the program and the self-guided group will receive their membership at the end of the program. Participation includes completing an interview, blood draw, and bone scan.
For more information, contact Moving Forward at 312.996.6880 or movingforward@uic.edu
