| | Battling cancer with nutrition | | |
| | Jun 30th - Oct 9th 2012 | |
| | (1st July - 30th July)
Cancer patients have special nutrition needs and issues related to eating. Good nutrition is important at every stage of cancer treatment. Understand this aspect of nutrition during cancer can help you to cope better during the cancer treatment. Post your question on "Ask the Specialists" what you can do to cope and treat your concerns related to nutrition and cancer.
Hosted by:
Ms. Chang Yok Ying,
Pharmacist from National Cancer Centre Singapore
You can post your questions from now till 31st July 2010.
All answers will be posted online by 10th August 2010.
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Posted by majid@sanicarehygiene.com | I have been recently diagnosed to have Protrate Cancer, which has extended to nearby lymph nodes. I am currently undergoing hormone treatment (Zoladex injections every 3 months) as well as Comotheraphy for 8 weeks (currently in 2nd week of treatment).
What advice can you give me on the suitable diet and nutrition that I need to consume that will help me in overcoming my current cancer situation? |
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Answered by | There are many studies on the effect of food and food supplements on the prevention of prostate cancer. However, for prostate cancer patients undergoing cancer therapy, it is not advisable to consume these supplements in big amounts as most are anti-oxidant in nature.
Some foods that are beneficiary for prostate cancer patients undergoing therapy are:
- Tomato concentrates (tomato puree)
- Tomatoes
- Brightly pigmented vegetables
- Parsley
- Fish
- Green tea
- Soy foods
During cancer therapy, the patient should eat well to maintain a healthy blood profile. i.e. good levels of platelets, albumin, neutrophils etc and should not be too stringent on the types of foods consumed.
Answered by Ms. Chang Yok Ying,
Pharmacist from National Cancer Centre Singapore
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Posted by lee | I have had 2 of my siblings - 1 brother and 1 sister get different kinds of cancer - nose and stomach cancer respectively. But my parents did not have cancer. I wonder if it was because of our diet and lifestyle when we were growing up? We were from a poor family and ate a lot of preserved canned food with plain rice.
What can I do to prevent myself from getting cancer too?
I am quite scared, actually.... |
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Answered by | Cancer is a multi-factorial disease with factors that include genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, environmental factors, all affecting the risk.
Up to 40% of cancers can be prevented by eating a healthy diet, physical activities and maintaining a healthy body weight. Up to 20% can be prevented by eating vegetables and fruits.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following cancer preventive measures:
1) a plant-based diet, at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day,
2) whole meal foods, less red meat, less fats especially from animals
3) less alcohol
4) be active 30min a day for most days of the week;
5) maintaining an ideal body weight
6) Avoid preserved foods with preservatives, cured meats like bacon, ham, sausages
The main causes of cancer are lifestyle, diet and environmental factors. Being aware of these factors and avoiding them would help bring down cancer risk.
Answered by Ms. Chang Yok Ying,
Pharmacist from National Cancer Centre Singapore
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Posted by chanyacheng | Hi Ms Chang
My dad has just been diagnosed with advanced liver cancer with max 6 months to live. He also has diabetes and is 72 years old.
I heard that a natural diet with lots of veggies and fruit juices such as carrots, apples and soursop are good for cancer patients. Also read that drinking steeping lemon grass steeped in hot water kills cancer cells. Is that true?
Appreciate if you could advise what foods my dad should take or avoid in his condition.
Thanks
Ray |
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Answered by | Depending on your dad’s outlook in life, he should be given the choice to practice diet intervention or just eat his favourite foods and spend quality time with loved ones, doing his favourite activities. One should respect and support his choice.
If he has stopped all cancer treatment, he may consider the American Cancer Society’s recommendation on healthy lifestyle and diet:
1) a plant-based diet, at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day,
2) whole meal foods, less red meat, less fats especially from animals
3) less alcohol
4) be active 30min a day for most days of the week;
5) maintaining an ideal body weight
6) Avoid preserved foods with preservatives, cured meats like bacon, ham, sausages
Answered by Ms. Chang Yok Ying,
Pharmacist from National Cancer Centre Singapore |
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