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News Release
Jan. 20, 2009 Michael Landon’s Daughter Speaks Out About CancerEmmy-Winning Actress Jennifer Landon Stars in New TV Spot Reminding Viewers that Fruits, Vegetables, and Vegetarian Meals Reduce Cancer RiskWASHINGTON—At the age of 8, Jennifer Landon lost her father, Michael Landon, to cancer. Now Jennifer, an Emmy Award-winning actress in her own right, is speaking out about the disease that took her father's life in a new Cancer Project television spot that begins distribution Jan. 20. In the 30-second public service announcement, which features family photographs and video clips, Jennifer explains that she remembers her dad, who starred in such hit shows as Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven, as a particularly strong man. His health, she recalls, seemed perfect. But then he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. “Three months later, my dad Michael died,” Jennifer explains. “Today we know a lot about preventing cancer,” Jennifer Landon tells viewers. “If you smoke, quit. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Have more vegetarian and vegan meals. These steps are powerful—for you and your whole family.” At least one-third of annual cancer deaths in the United States are due to dietary factors. Increased fruit and vegetable consumption can reduce cancer risk, but less than one-third of U.S. adults eat fruit at least two times a day, and only about 27 percent eat vegetables at least three times daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The China Study has shown that people on low-fat, plant-based diets have strikingly low cancer rates. Large studies in England and Germany showed that vegetarians are about 40 percent less likely to develop cancer compared with meat eaters. “Bringing this groundbreaking information to the general public can prevent other families from suffering the same loss mine has,” said Landon. A three-time Emmy winner for her dual roles as Gwen Norbeck and Cleo Babbitt on the daytime drama As the World Turns, Landon began her professional acting career at the age of 5, when she was cast in the final episodes of Highway to Heaven. The Cancer Project spot, titled Cancer Prevention for Your Family, can be seen on YouTube. For an interview with Ms. Landon or a Cancer Project expert, please contact Jeanne McVey The Cancer Project is a collaborative effort of physicians, researchers, and nutritionists who have joined together to educate the public about the benefits of a healthy diet for cancer prevention and survival. Based in Washington, D.C., the Cancer Project is an affiliate of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. |
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