NUTRITIONAL recommendations for cancer patients, which can be very different from the usual suggestions for healthful eating, often create confusion because some of them may just be the direct opposite from what we have heard or are used to.
Here are some general suggestions on how you can eat before, during and after cancer treatment and the reasons for them.
Cancer prevention: Things you could do to reduce your risks
The UK World Cancer Research Fund's recommendations for cancer prevention are:
Be as lean as possible without being underweight.
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, low in fibre or high in fat)
Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and pulses such as beans.
Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork or lamb) and avoid processed meats.
If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to two for men and one for women a day.
Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium)
Don't use supplements to protect against cancer
And always remember - do not smoke or chew tobacco.
The rationale
Obesity increases your risk of developing many cancers and other chronic diseases. And physical activity coupled with adequate calorie intake can increase your fitness and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Studies have shown that salt and salt-preserved foods are probable causes of stomach cancer, and a general recommendation to rely on high-dose nutrient supplements to prevent cancer might have unexpected adverse effects.
After diagnosis: Preparing yourself for treatment
Maintain a healthy diet.
Talk to registered dietitians or your physician about your concerns and what you might expect. They can give you ideas and help you plan meals.
The rationale
If you've been eating a healthy diet, you'll go into treatment with reserves to help keep up your strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain your defences against infection.
During treatment: Staying well to benefit from treatment
Your doctor or dietitian may focus on helping you eat higher calorie foods that emphasise protein.
You might be encouraged to eat or drink more milk, cream, cheese, and cooked eggs. Other suggestions might include increasing your use of sauces and gravies, or changing your cooking methods to include more butter, margarine, or oil.
Sometimes, you may also be advised to eat less of certain high-fibre foods because these foods can aggravate problems such as diarrhoea or a sore mouth.
It is important to refer to your doctor or dietitian about any changes you wish to make to your diet during treatment.
The rationale
Nutrition recommendations are different when you have cancer because they are designed to help you build up your strength to withstand the effects of cancer and its treatment.
Some cancer treatments are also more effective if you are well nourished and getting enough calories and protein in your diet.
While a well-balanced diet is often enough for you to stay well when you are healthy, this can become a challenge during cancer treatment, especially if you have side-effects or simply don't feel well.
After treatment: Preserving health and reducing the risk of recurrence, or the development of a new cancer
While there are currently no foods that could prevent your cancer from recurring, you could reduce your risks by following recommendations for cancer prevention.
The rationale
Eating right and staying active will help you regain your strength and help you feel well. -The Star/ANN
