Articles

Cancer is a disease that affects the body’s cells—the basic building blocks of the body. Under normal circumstances, these cells grow and function based on genetic instructions that regulate their behavior, including growth and death.

When an abnormality occurs, this process becomes disrupted. Cells begin to reproduce and behave uncontrollably, which leads to the development of cancer.

Causes of Cancer

There are many types of cancer, so it is not considered a single disease. Therefore, there is no single cause. Instead, cancer often develops due to multiple factors—many of which are related to modern lifestyle habits.

Key risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Poor nutrition
• Excess body fat

How to Reduce Cancer Risk

There are several modifiable lifestyle factors that can help lower cancer risk:

1. Physical Activity

Incorporate movement into daily life. Even 30 minutes of simple exercise can be a great start.

2. Weight Management

Excess weight increases the risk for cancer and other diseases. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be supported by following a personalized diet plan such as the “Four-Week Diet Plan – Dr. Ruba Musharbash.”

3. Choosing the Right Foods

Be mindful of the types and amounts of food consumed. Prioritize whole, natural foods, avoid preservatives and pesticide-exposed foods, and always check nutrition labels.

Cancer-Preventive Foods

There is no single food that prevents cancer, but many studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes significantly reduces cancer risk.

Nutrient-rich foods that help combat cancer include:

• Apples – rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, particularly phytochemicals.
• Broccoli and leafy greens – excellent sources of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin K, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoids like beta-carotene.
• Coffee – contains antioxidants like chlorogenic acid and is a good source of B vitamins and riboflavin.
• Garlic – proven in studies to protect against stomach, rectal, and colon cancer.
• Tomatoes – rich in lycopene, linked to protection against prostate, lung, and breast cancer.
• Green Tea – contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins, potent cancer-fighting compounds.
• Others – whole grains, various berries, pumpkin, and legumes.

General Cancer Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes daily
• Limit sugary drinks and high-calorie foods
• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains
• Reduce red and processed meat intake
• Avoid alcohol
• Limit salty and highly processed foods
• Don’t rely on supplements for cancer prevention
• Breastfeed for at least 6 months to reduce breast and uterine cancer risk
• Avoid smoking completely

Special Nutrition Tips for Cancer Patients

During treatment and recovery, maintaining proper nutrition is essential:

Tips for Managing Nutrition:

• Eat nutrient-dense meals to prevent weight and appetite loss
• Break large meals into small portions (e.g., eat part of a sandwich, then eat the rest 30 minutes later)
• Ensure food hygiene when shopping and preparing meals
• Drink water in small sips throughout the day
• Focus on breakfast and small snacks between meals
• Eat in a calm and comfortable environment

Healthy Food Preparation Tips

• Cook meats thoroughly
• Avoid charred or overly grilled meats
• Prefer boiling or steaming over frying or grilling
• Wash all produce well; peel when needed (e.g., cucumber, carrots, apples)
• Use separate, non-wooden cutting boards for vegetables and meats
• Wash hands and utensils with hot water and soap
• Limit salt and avoid bouillon cubes
• Cook with moderate oil, preferably olive or canola oil

Managing Side Effects During Treatment

Loss of Appetite

• Eat small, varied meals
• Take short walks before eating
• Eat when you feel best
• Avoid drinking too much fluid during meals
• Eat with family in a pleasant environment

Taste Changes

• Brush teeth before meals
• Add light seasoning
• Eat meats at room temperature
• Replace meat with eggs, fish, dairy if needed
• Zinc deficiency may affect taste perception

Dry Mouth

• Sip cold water or use a straw
• Try lemon or grapefruit juice
• Rinse mouth with warm saltwater
• Stay hydrated between meals

Nausea/Vomiting

• Avoid strong-smelling foods
• Eat small meals
• Avoid lying down right after eating
• Drink ginger tea
• Avoid eating within 2 hours before chemotherapy

Diarrhea

• Avoid beans, onions, and high-fiber foods
• Reduce fat and dairy
• Avoid broccoli, peas, cucumbers, and sugary/fatty foods
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Focus on soluble fiber foods (e.g., bananas, peeled apples, sweet potatoes, oats, white bread)
• Avoid insoluble fiber foods (e.g., brown bread, bran cereals, raw vegetables, fruit/vegetable peels)

Foods to Avoid During Cancer Treatment

• Mayonnaise and store-bought dressings
• Raw eggs (e.g., in mousse or sauces)
• Undercooked meats
• Soft cheeses (e.g., brie, camembert, blue cheese)
• Over-roasted or burned foods
• Unwashed or unpeeled fruits/vegetables
• Fried foods (especially fries)
• Processed meats (e.g., mortadella)
• Unpasteurized milk and cheeses
• Cut melons left for more than two days
• Restaurant-made salads
• Foods not freshly cooked
• High sugar intake
• Juices with added sugar
• Sushi and smoked or pickled foods

Foods to Prioritize

• Lycopene-rich foods (e.g., tomatoes, watermelon)
• 3–4 servings of fruit daily
• 5 servings of vegetables daily
• Lightly boiled broccoli and cauliflower
• Vitamin C-rich foods (e.g., oranges, grapefruit, bell peppers)
• Fiber-rich foods (adjust if diarrhea is present)
• Olive and canola oil
• Brown rice and whole-grain bread
• Lightly boiled and peeled vegetables
• Legumes, onions, and garlic (based on tolerance)
• Peeled and lightly cooked carrots
• Raw unsalted nuts (walnuts, almonds)