Diet For Cancer patients

Posted: July 6, 2021
Updated: July 6, 2021
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Nishtha Kalra

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Diet for Cancer Patients

Cancer ranks amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. Researches suggest that practising lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a balanced and healthy diet for cancer patients could prevent 30-50% of all cancers.

Growing evidence suggests the role of diet for cancer patients in increasing or decreasing cancer risk. Proper nutrition plays a very important role in coping and recovering from cancer. Specialists at CancerRounds.com are there to help you with a thorough dietary plan to cope up with cancer and avoid its recurrence.

  • Eat a balanced diet

Higher cancer risk is associated with the consumption of processed foods that are high in sugar and low in fibre and nutrients. In particular, a diet that raises the blood glucose levels are associated with an increased risk of many cancers, including stomach, breast and colorectal cancer.

For example, one research showed that more than 47,000 adults who ate high refined carbs were more than twice as likely to get affected by colon cancer than those who ate low refined carbs. Moreover, observational studies have consistently shown that high consumption of such foods may increase the risk of cancer.

  • Processed meat

Studies have shown a correlation between eating processed meat and raising the risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Research showed that people who consumed large quantities of processed meat had an increased risk of colorectal cancer by 20–50 per cent relative to those who consumed little or no processed meat.

  • Overcooked Food

High-temperature cooking of certain foods such as grilling, frying, sauteing, broiling and barbecue can produce harmful compounds such as heterocyclic amines (HA) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Excess buildup of these harmful compounds leads to inflammation. Inflammation may play a role in cancer and other disease growth. So, it’s wise to avoid overcooked food.

  • Dairy

Several observational studies have shown that high dairy consumption can increase prostate cancer risk. Results showed that high whole-milk food products raise the risk of disease progression.

Diet for Cancer patients that Contain Cancer-Fighting Properties

There is nothing such as a superfood to prevent cancer. But a balanced nutritional approach would be most effective. Scientists predict that consuming the best cancer diet will reduce the risk by up to 70 per cent and will likely help with cancer recovery as well. They assume that in a process called anti-angiogenesis, some foods can fight cancer by blocking the blood vessels that feed cancer.

  • Vegetables

Observational studies have linked higher vegetable intake to lower cancer risk. Many vegetables contain antioxidants and phytochemicals which fight cancer. For example, cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, contain sulforaphane, a substance that has been shown to decrease tumour size by more than 50 per cent in mice (in laboratory studies). Certain vegetables, including tomatoes and carrots, are associated with a reduced risk of breast, stomach, and lung cancer.

  • Fruits

Compared to vegetables, fruits contain antioxidants and other phytochemicals that can help with cancer prevention. An examination found that at least three portions of citrus fruits per week reduced the risk of stomach cancer by 28%.

  • Flax-seeds

Flax seeds have been linked to protective effects against some cancers and can also minimize the spread of cancer cells.

  • Spices

Some test-tube and animal studies have found that cinnamon can possess anti-cancer properties and prevent the spread of cancer cells. Cur-cumin, which is present in turmeric, can also help to prevent cancer.

  • Legumes and beans

Beans and legumes are high in fibre, and some studies suggest that an increased intake of this nutrient can protect against colorectal cancer.

  • Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, which has been shown in test-tube tests to have cancer-fighting properties.

  • Fishes

Eating fresh fish can help protect against cancer, likely because of healthy fats which can reduce inflammation. A major review of 41 studies showed that eating fish regularly decreased the risk of colorectal cancer by 12 per cent.

Conclusion

Consuming a particular type of food cannot protect against cancer. However, eating a balanced diet for cancer patients containing a variety such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, herbs, healthy fats, fresh seafood and high-quality dairy may minimize the risk and recurrence of cancer. Specialists at Cancer Rounds help you with ” Diet for Cancer” covering all the dos and don’ts of food items.

To know more or to book an appointment, kindly dial our customer care number -8130077375.

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CancerRounds Medical Content Team

The CancerRounds Medical Content Team specialises in creating accurate, clear and patient-focused healthcare content. Our content is written by medically trained writers, medically reviewed, and based on reputable medical sources to support informed healthcare decisions.

✓ Medically reviewed by board-certified oncologists

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