Importance of Diet in Cancer Treatment
Malwina Lewicka PhD, Cornell Tech - Chair of Health Decision Making and Communication SIG
Nutrition is widely recognized as an important aspect of comprehensive cancer care. A properly tailored diet will help support your physical and mental health every step of the way through the cancer trajectory: from diagnosis, through treatment, and into survivorship.
Dietary recommendations for people diagnosed with cancer can at times vary from standard dietary guidelines. These recommendations may need to be tailored to individual nutritional needs and may change throughout the course of cancer care.
It’s important to remember that there is no “cancer diet” that works for everyone or guarantees better outcomes. Before modifying your diet, consult your cancer care team. They can provide guidance on appropriate nutritional choices personalized to your specific condition and treatment plan.
Diet After Cancer Diagnosis
It's never too late to make positive changes to your diet. Doing so can help you enter cancer treatment in the best possible health. Improving eating habits before starting treatment can strengthen your body and potentially help it cope with cancer therapies.
Nutrient-dense foods that contain vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help ensure that the body has sufficient nutrient reserves to rely on during treatment when eating well may become more difficult.
Avocados and nuts are great sources of healthy fats, while whole grains and oats can help add complex carbs to your diet. Plant-based proteins like beans and legumes are often encouraged for patients with cancer as they’re rich in vitamins, but lean meats like chicken and fish are also fair alternatives.
Up to 80% of cancer patients can experience some degree of malnutrition as a result of cancer and treatment-related side effects. Identifying and addressing potential deficits early helps build physical resilience, making patients more prepared to handle the stresses of cancer treatment.
Adopting healthy eating habits early can also set a foundation for better dietary practices that can benefit you throughout the entire cancer care and beyond.
Adjusting Diet During Cancer Treatment
Some cancer treatments cause side effects that may lead to eating difficulties. While side effects may occur, they often vary in intensity and can be mild for some patients. Many can be managed effectively during treatment, and they typically resolve once treatment is completed.
Since each person is unique, it's hard to predict whether you will experience eating difficulties. You may encounter mild or no issues with appetite and eating.. While the recommended diet is the same during cancer treatment as after diagnosis, each patient will need their own way of getting those key nutrients. If you find yourself unable to eat, it is important to inform your doctor right away.
Medical teams work closely with patients to address these challenges, offering strategies to maintain adequate nutrition throughout the treatment process. This can lead to fewer interruptions in the treatment and potentially better outcomes.
Engaging in regular exercise, as recommended and approved by your team, can help stimulate appetite and improve digestion, and alleviate some of the treatment-related issues.
Diet After Cancer Treatment
Continuing to eat a well-balanced diet after cancer treatment can help you regain your strength, heal, and recover in an optimal way. If you're unsure about what to eat, consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized advice.
While a balanced diet is a foundation of good health, it's just as important to avoid or limit certain foods that could potentially increase health risks. This includes minimizing consumption of red meats (beef, pork, lamb) and processed meats. Additionally, it is important to reduce or eliminate sugar-sweetened drinks.
It's best to avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a known carcinogen, or cancer-causing agent. If you do drink, limit your intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
To learn more, consider consulting the following resources by MD Anderson Cancer Center and by National Cancer Institute.
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