Nutrition Guidelines For Cancer Prevention

Healthy food choices and physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer. Healthy eating habits and proper nutrition are very important in fighting diseases like cancer.

The following diet and fitness guidelines may help lower the risk of cancer:

• Eat a plant-based diet. Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Include beans in the diet and eat grain products (such as cereals, breads, and pasta) several times daily.
• Choose foods low in fat.
• Choose foods low in salt.
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
• Be at least moderately active for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.
• Prepare and store food safely.
• Do not use tobacco in any form.

These nutrition guidelines for cancer prevention may also help cancer survivors prevent the development of a second cancer.

Here are some important nutrition tips for:

Lung Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Lung Cancer

Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and lung cancer:

1. Eating more than 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of lung cancer.
2. Taking beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer in male smokers.

Prostate Cancer

Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and prostate cancer:

1. Diets high in saturated fat and meat or animal fat may increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
2. Taking daily vitamin E supplements may reduce the risk of death from prostate cancer.
3. Taking daily beta-carotene supplements may reduce the chance of dying from prostate cancer. Taking beta-carotene supplements is not advised for smokers, however, as it may increase their risk of developing prostate cancer.

Breast Cancer

Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and breast cancer:

1. High- calorie, high-fat diets may increase the risk of recurrence.
2. Drinking beer may increase the risk of recurrence and death.
3. Obesity (having too much body fat) may increase the risk of recurrence.
4. Lack of physical activity may increase the risk of recurrence.

The effect of soy on breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence is unknown. Studies are under way.

Colon Cancer

Study findings have shown that a long-term diet rich in whole grains may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and esophageal or gastric (stomach) cancer:

1. A diet rich in cereal fiber may reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
2. Taking daily supplements of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.

To learn more about proper nutrition for cancer patients, read Nutrition Recommendation For Cancer Patients.

Related Articles:

Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment
Nutrition in Cancer Care
Side Effects of Cancer Treatments

Other SeniorCareHomes.com Helpful Links:

• Seniors Online Community & Discussion Forum
• Senior Care Facility Search
• Senior Facility Registration