Durham, N.C. - A diagnosis of breast or prostate cancer is a serious blow. But it may be a "teachable moment," a good time to help patients make lifestyle changes to improve their overall health. A study is now underway to test the effectiveness of this approach.

Long-term survival rates for individuals diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer have improved dramatically in recent years. Researchers believe that diet and exercise can help further increase these survival rates, by reducing the risk of developing other health problems. Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, associate professor of surgery, heads the "Fresh Start" study at Duke University Medical Center.

"It's so important for breast and prostate cancer patients to eat better and to exercise, because they're at risk not only for developing another cancer, but also osteoporosis, heart disease, these types of things. They may beat their cancer, but it's almost a knock on the door for lifestyle improvement."

Demark-Wahnefried says the distance-based study is open to anyone 18 or older within nine months of diagnosis, no matter where you live.

"We would love to help people at that point in time, give them the support they need to make those lifestyle changes and really use their cancer diagnosis almost as a leverage so that they can be much healthier in the future."

To learn more about participating in the "Fresh Start" study, call toll-free (877) 239-1054.