Latest Cancer and Nutrition News

When it comes to cancer, nutrition is among the topics that attract the most interest. Countless scientific studies confirm and examine the relationship between cancer and nutrition. However, this relationship cannot be considered from a single perspective.

“Nutrition for a person with cancer” and “nutrition for cancer prevention” require different approaches. Patients and their families want to know which eating pattern may have the most positive effect during illness and which foods they should avoid or may eat. From the perspective of prevention or risk reduction, the question is which dietary pattern is healthiest. Our website's “Cancer and Nutrition” section covers both of these main topics in detail.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, current research suggests that 30–50% of cancers could be prevented through simple lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet. As well as reducing cancer risk, a healthy diet helps you reach your ideal weight and improves your mood. Nutrition plays an important role in prevention and treatment. It can be considered a complementary part of treatment.

Nutrition recommendations to reduce cancer risk

• Choose a predominantly plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, to help maintain a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased cancer risk.
• Avoid calorie-dense foods such as French fries, chips and syrup-soaked desserts.
• Limit processed and red meat. You can limit red meat to 400–500 g per week. Minimize processed meats such as pastırma, salami and sausages.
• Eat five portions of vegetables and fruit every day.
• Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products.
• If you drink alcohol, limit your consumption.
• Adopt an active lifestyle.

Nutrition during cancer treatment

There are many cancer treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and clinical trials. Additional treatments can bring additional side effects. These may disrupt your eating habits, but they can be managed with appropriate nutritional therapy. The main nutrients to focus on during treatment are protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet may prevent loss of muscle tissue and has positive effects on many other tissues. Research has shown that well-nourished people cope better with treatment side effects.

During treatment, you may sometimes experience difficulties eating or unwanted weight loss. In these situations, a special eating plan to increase calorie intake and medical nutrition products may be needed. Your healthcare team can provide support.

Conversely, some cancer treatments tend to cause weight gain. If patients are informed beforehand and the situation is managed well, weight control can be achieved more easily.

Nutrition after cancer treatment

Most eating-related side effects of cancer treatment disappear after treatment ends. Once you start feeling better, you can follow recommendations for healthier eating. Eating well will help restore your strength and energy, rebuild tissues and generally help you feel better.

First, consult your oncology dietitian or doctor to find out whether you have any dietary restrictions. If you are overweight, aim to lose weight by reducing calorie intake and increasing activity. Adopt a balanced, nourishing eating plan. We recommend the Mediterranean diet, which numerous studies have shown to be effective in cancer prevention. It includes vegetables and fruit of various colors, whole grains, legumes, small amounts of milk and dairy products, and fish.

Cancer and nutrition is a broad field covering dietary recommendations that may reduce risk in everyday life, as well as nutrition during and after treatment. This page brings together all our nutrition articles prepared using scientific evidence. You can also find dietary recommendations for specific cancer types in this section.