Breast cancer support group promotes healthy eating through recipe book

The recipe book aims to help breast cancer patients and survivors maintain a healthy diet.

IN conjunction with its 20th anniversary, Breast Cancer Support Group Johor Baru (BCSGJB) has launched a special recipe book to help cancer patients and survivors maintain a healthy diet.

Its president Datin Ang Chin Fan said the book, titled Flavours from Our Garden, is a compilation of 21 nutritious and healthy recipes, including seven from the executive chef of a popular hotel.

“The main objective is to present cancer patients and survivors with simple but healthy recipes they can try.

“Cancer patients and survivors often worry about their diet, especially after undergoing surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy,” she said.

Ang said doctors would always advise cancer patients to eat well, but the treatment they undergo could sometimes make them lose appetite and feel exhausted.

“We hope the book will be useful to cancer survivors and their caregivers,” she told StarMetro.

She said the recipes were inspired by herbs, vegetables and fruits grown at the support group’s centre.

“It is possible to grow vegetables and herbs to make simple and healthy food.

“Gardening is also a great therapy,” she said, adding that the book included one-pot meal recipes.

The book can be purchased at RM40 per copy from BCSGJB’s centre at No.12, Jalan Ru, Taman Kebun Teh, Johor Baru.

Ang said BCSGJB would also hold a fundraising dinner in Johor Jaya on Oct 4.

Funds raised will be used to provide transportation for patients going for their treatments and to assist them financially in getting the necessary screenings.

BCSGJB, registered as a non-governmental organisation on March 29, 2004, aims to provide support to breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as raise awareness of the disease.

“Through our wellness team, which consists of doctors, retired nurses, and survivors, we offer a listening ear and share the experiences of the survivors’ treatment journeys,” said Ang.

“We also provide information to help new patients on their path to wellness and follow up on their well-being through buddy calls and home visits.”

The group also conducts roadshows and talks on breast cancer as well as cooking, sewing, gardening and exercise events.

BCSGJB also operates a prosthesis and bra shop at its centre, which is open from 10am to 1pm every Tuesday and Friday.

“We offer fitting services for silicone prosthetics, bras and wigs.

“We want to help boost the self-esteem and confidence of patients on their journey to wellness,” Ang added.