Dietary Advice for Cancer
Diet and Cancer Prevention
Current preventability estimates suggest that 36% of the most common cancers could be prevented by being lean, eating a healthy, plant based diet and being physically active. The guidelines which help prevent cancer are also applicable for those who have recovered from cancer treatment in order to reduce the risk of recurrance. In 2012 there were 14.1 million new cases of cancer world wide and approximately 5 million of those could have been prevented.
There are specific additional dietary guidelines for prevention of some cancers such as those of the breast, bowel and prostate. The World Cancer Research Fund are continuously assessing worldwide research and issue updated guidelines periodically.
Good Nutrition during Treatment
For people under going cancer treatment, be it surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other anti cancer treatments, the priority is to stay as well nourished as possible and maintain weight. Loss of appetite, nausea, mouth soreness, diffuculty swallowing and other treatment side effects can make eating difficult
A colostomy or ileostomy output can be better managed by focusing on avoiding some foods and paying attention to water and salt intake.
For anyone going through cancer treatment I am happy to fit around your treatment schedule or visit you at home. A single consultation may suffice. We will discuss any nutrition concerns and I will give you writen advice for helping to manage nausea, appetite, weight loss, sore mouth or swallowing difficulties, altered bowel patterns and any other symptoms related to your cancer or treatment.
Some people chose to explore complementary therapies during their cancer treatment. Should you wish to check the suitability of a nutritional therapy or supplement program I am happy to do that with you.
Your oncologist can refer you, or you can make a self referral. It is advisable to bring blood results, and full details of your diagnosis and treatment plan in order to get the best personalised nutrition advice.