Photo courtesy of rgbstock.com / Tou Touke
What You Eat As A Cancer Patient DOES Actually Matter
There seems to be a disturbing trend among the cancer patients with whom I am currently working. Their oncologists are telling them that it really does not matter what they eat.
Incredible, is it not? Oncologists are highly trained specialists and they should KNOW better! Yet they continue to state that there is no evidence at all to support that a change of diet after a cancer diagnosis does us any good.
It’s Bad Advice And Here’s The Proof
This is clearly wrong and bad advice. If you have been given this advice, go back to your oncologist with this 2011 research study from the British Journal of Cancer: The role of diet and physical activity in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer survivorship: a review of the literature.
Or how about this 2014 Korean study: Effect of 8-week nutrition counseling to increase phytochemical rich fruit and vegetable consumption in korean breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.
Or maybe this 2014 Spanish study: Influence of body weight on the prognosis of breast cancer survivors. Nutritional approach after diagnosis.
And we have a 2014 US study that indicated women consuming better quality diets had a 26% lower risk of death from any cause: Better postdiagnosis diet quality is associated with reduced risk of death among postmenopausal women with invasive breast cancer in the Women’s Health Initiative
I find it both astounding and disappointing that in light of all of the recent studies we have which indicate otherwise our medical professionals are still giving us this bad advice. All the more reason we need to empower ourselves with information and be proactive with our own healing. Our doctors are clearly too busy to read the latest research. All a bit sad, really, because we are relying upon them to be a trusted source of information.
For the list of the best foods to eat (and to avoid) when you have breast cancer, visit my page Diet and Cancer.
If you would like my help with getting through breast cancer in an inspiring and ultra-healthy way, please sign up for my free e-newsletters and e-book on the right, and/or “like” me on Facebook (MarnieClark.com). It is my honor and my goal to help you through this so that you emerge from breast cancer feeling better than before, thriving!
Yes I too was told to eat whatever I want! Could use some advice on diet thanks. I do some juicing as well.
Hi Kathleen,
I have a lot of dietary advice on my “Diet and Cancer” page, lots of specifics about why certain things are helpful for cancer patients. If you would like me to create a specific program just for you, I am available for private coaching sessions. Let me know if you would like information on that by going to the tab marked “Contact Me” and put “Breast Cancer Coaching” in the subject line. I’d be really happy to help you!
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Need to learn more about nutrition after breast cancer and chemo.
Toni,
I would be more than happy to help you. Have you signed up for my e-books and newsletters? All completely free and you can ask as many questions as you like. I also offer paid breast cancer coaching services where I devote a solid hour (or more) of time to you and your questions and help you create a wellness program tailored to you specifically. Toni, I hope to be of service to you.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
Thanks for doing the research! I have completely revamped my diet since my diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer in 2011. My rules are: no meats, no sweets, no dairy. I feel better than ever! I will be sharing this information on my blog, with your permission.
Dear Florence,
Of course you may share the information, I am happy for you to do that. I’m also very glad to know that you are feeling better than ever. Brilliant! That’s so great to hear. Thanks for your comment.
Warmest regards,
Marnie
it made me crazy to see the snack table at my oncologist’s office. it was covered with highly processed junk food and a large coffee pot! While I was receiving my chemo infusions, a volunteer would routinely round offering up cookies! after all the money we paid these folks, you’d think we would get fresh organic green juices!
Dear Suzy,
You sound exactly like me! Things like that drove me crazy too. I always took a thermos full of freshly made juices to my infusions and while they were pumping those chemicals into me, I’d be swigging away at the juices I’d made. Thanks for your comment, good to hear from you!
Warmest wishes,
Marnie