Sensible Nutrition Guidelines
Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, OSW-C Program Manager, Oncology Social Work
AUGUST 16, 2017
There is so much conversation, written and oral, about nutrition and cancer care. To reiterate: There are no foods that reduce the risk of or cure cancer. There are plenty of foods that are good for us, but the standard guidelines about lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, moderation with red meats and alcohol all apply here--just as they would if we are talking about general health.
Sugar does not feed cancer cells.Dairy does not feed cancer cells. We would all agree that a diet of Twinkies and donuts would not be a healthy one, but it would not cause or nurture cancer. Yogurt and cheese and milk and all dairy products pack protein and other nutrients.
From the NCI comes this excellent handout:
Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®)–Patient Version
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
KEY POINTS
Good nutrition is important for cancer patients.
Healthy eating habits are important during cancer treatment.
Cancer can change the way the body uses food.
Cancer and cancer treatments may affect nutrition.
Anorexia and cachexia are common causes of malnutrition in cancer patients.
It is important to treat weight loss caused by cancer and its treatment.
Read more: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-pdq#section/all
