Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 30: During cancer treatment, many people lose weight as chemotherapy and radiation side effects, such as nausea, taste changes and loss of appetite, make eating unpalatable; sometimes the therapy itself impairs the absorption of nutrients. Other people may gain weight due to medication, reduced activity, or emotional and stress-related eating.

When treatment for cancer is completed, most people start to get apprehensive about the diet that is to be adopted for a better and faster recovery. Also, it is time for the person who has undergone treatment to put the experience behind him and resume a more normal life. In these situations, the most important aspect is to adopt a proper lifestyle incorporating complete nutrition and combining it with ideal weight control and exercise.

Food and recurrence

Research has shown that there are many benefits of eating well, and some reports indicate that diet alone can prevent certain cancers from recurring. Nevertheless, there is strong evidence that a plant-based diet cuts the risk of overall recurrence of cancer. To substantiate these, many epidemiological studies have clearly shown that people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and sparse in red meat and animal fat have lower rates of certain cancers especially that of lung, breast, colon, and stomach/gastric cancers. From a mechanistic perspective, studies indicate that red meat promotes inflammation in human tissue and this ultimately stimulates the growth of cancerous tumours. Plant foods, on the other hand, contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and vitamins A, C, and E, which protect the cells from free radicals that damage healthy cells and are linked to ageing and disease. Phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, are compounds that may thwart the action of carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) and aid cells in blocking the development of cancer.

Weight and recurrence

There is evidence that being overweight, which is a major risk factor for numerous types of cancer, also increases the chances of recurrence and lowers the odds for survival. Research has shown that women who gain weight during treatment for early-stage breast cancer are more likely to experience recurrence of cancer. Studies show that men who have had prostate cancer, being overweight or obese raises their chances of cancer to recur, spread, or lead to death. From a mechanistic viewpoint, excess adiposity increases the risk of cancer development and negatively influences prognosis in several types of cancer partly due to interaction with adipose tissue cell population. Obesity dramatically modifies the adipose tissue micro-environment in numerous ways, including induction of angiogenesis, expansion of pro-inflammatory immune cells and presents a hospitable environment to developing tumours.

What is the ideal food to eat?

Post-treatment of cancer, whether you want to gain, lose, or maintain weight, experts recommend that survivors of cancer should follow these guidelines for a healthy diet:

Eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day: A serving can be a cup of dark leafy greens or berries, a medium fruit, or half a cup of other colourful choices; use plant-based seasoning like coriander, mint, and turmeric;

Opt for whole grains: Food rich in high-fibre like bread, cereals, brown rice, barley, ragi, and oats are ideal. Avoid refined foods, such as maida and white bread, and those high in sugar.

Choose a lean protein: Opt for fish and poultry. Limit red meat and processed meats.

Keep dairy low fat: Select skimmed milk, low-fat yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese.

Aim for a variety of foods. Create a balanced plate that is one-half cooked or raw vegetables, one-fourth lean protein (chicken, fish, lean meat, or dairy) and one-fourth whole grains;

Eat fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerels. The fats in these fish are the 'good' heart-healthy omega-3 fats; other sources of these fats include walnuts, canola oil, and flaxseeds;

Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Men should have no more than two drinks a day; and women no more than one drink.

Eat foods high in vitamin D. These include salmon, sardines, fortified orange juice, milk, and fortified cereal. Research suggests that vitamin D, obtained from exposure to sunlight prevents cancer and may decrease the risk of recurrence and improve survival.

Food and not supplements – are the best source of vitamins and minerals. There is no evidence that dietary supplements provide the same anti-cancer benefits as fruits and vegetables, and some high-dose supplements may increase the risk of cancer.

Be 'mindful' when eating. Research suggests that we tend to eat more calories and food with fewer nutrients when we are watching TV, driving, or doing other activities.

Have food rich in immune stimulants like vitamin C rich food (amla, orange, musumbi, lemon), spices (turmeric, ginger, garlic, coriander leaves, mint leaves) and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower regularly.

Exercise and cancer recurrence

Studies have shown that regular physical activity can reduce anxiety and depression, improve moods, boost self-esteem, and reduce symptoms of fatigue, nausea, pain, and diarrhea. Exercise has many biological effects on the body, some of which have been proposed, to explain their association with specific cancers. These include:

Lowering the levels of sex hormones, such as estrogen, and growth factors that have been associated with the development of cancer and progression.

Preventing high blood levels of insulin, which has been linked to cancer development and progression.

Reducing inflammation and improving immune system function.

Altering the metabolism of bile acids, decreasing the exposure of the gastrointestinal tract to these suspected carcinogens.

Optimizing the digestion process and thereby reducing the exposure of gastrointestinal tract cells to the deleterious effects of carcinogens that may be in the food (like pesticide residues).

Helping to prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many cancers.

These benefits can be gained through moderate to vigorous physical activity on most, if not all days of the week.

Take part in regular physical activity.

Limit sitting or lying down time and return to normal daily activities as soon as possible.

Aim to get at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity or 75 to 150 minutes per week of vigorous activity.

Include strength training exercises at least 2 days a week.

A little bit of physical movement is far better than none.

Dr Suresh Rao the director of MIO stated that post-treatment lifestyle is extremely important to lead a healthy life and prevent a recurrence. Lifestyle and diet also play an important role in cancer prevention as studies have shown that people who have a systematic life incorporating exercise and a judicious diet have a lesser incidence of cancer. This is extremely important as the recent World Cancer Report has stated that in India in 2018, there were about 11,60,000 new cancer cases and 784,800 cancer deaths. The predictions are worse for the near future as reports also indicate that 'one among 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one among 15 Indians will die of cancer'. Dr Rao also said that MIO has always emphasized the importance of lifestyle and diet counselling for survivors of cancer. He also said that by the World guidelines, hospitals also have a social responsibility towards the overall health benefits of the patient and emphasis needs to be given for the adoption of a healthy lifestyle while being vigilant of the symptoms.