Cancer: the elephant in the room
It’s not always easy to talk about illness – but it’s necessary. The more information we have, the better decisions we can make, especially when it comes to prevention. The old saying goes: “prevention is better than cure”. So, let’s talk about the elephant in the room.
Oncological disease, known as cancer, is one of the biggest global public health challenges worldwide. Data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer indicates that the number of new cancer cases is increasing, and it is predicted that one in five people may develop an oncological disease.
Did you know that 3 to 5 out of every 10 cases of cancer could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle? That is, by avoiding tobacco, maintaining an adequate body weight, moderating alcohol intake, integrating physical activity into daily life and eating a healthy, balanced diet, as recommended by the Mediterranean diet.
Although cancer is a disease without a specific or unique cause, nutrition is a fundamental ally, both in preventing and complementing the treatment of the most varied oncological diseases – and it’s within everyone’s reach.
There’s just one problem: there’s a tendency to look more closely at food when it’s too late, that is, after a diagnosis has been made.
Eating habits and oncological diseases
In the quest for a complete and healthy diet, doubts can arise about the best way forward, especially when we are regularly confronted with foods or “fad diets” that promise worlds and depths.
In the context of the connection between cancer and food, the Mediterranean diet – considered the healthiest dietary pattern in the world for the 8th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report – is pointed out as an option. It’s worth noting that the symptoms of oncological diseases and their treatments can vary from person to person, so it’s very important to seek credible information from health professionals.
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet on cancer
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile of the Mediterranean diet makes it an ally in the prevention of oncological diseases, as it favours the consumption of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, pulses (such as beans and peas), oleaginous fruits (better known as nuts) and the use of olive oil as the fat of choice. It also calls for occasional consumption of red meat, processed and refined products, and moderate consumption of dairy products and fish.
Eating tips during cancer treatment
During an oncological disease, nutritional needs and food tolerance can change, so adjusting the diet is essential, based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet whenever possible. There are foods with characteristics that can ease the possible side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Here are some tips.
In case of changes in taste and smell:
- Use aromatic herbs, spices, lemon and marinades;
- Flavour water with mint, cinnamon or orange peel;
- Prefer cold (or room temperature) and citrus foods;
- Eat foods with contrasting flavours and textures (mix meat or fish with fruit, sweet foods with savoury ones, include crunchy foods or seeds in recipes, are some examples).
In case of dry mouth, canker sores or others:
- Opt for liquid, soft or puréed foods (e.g. vegetable cream, smoothies, scrambled eggs or jellies);
- Always have a bottle of water nearby;
- Avoid acidic foods (such as tomatoes, vinegar, lemons, oranges, pineapples…), salty or very spicy foods (with chilli peppers, pickles…), rough or too hard foods (raw vegetables, toast, crisps, nuts);
- Avoid very hot foods/drinks.
In case of diarrhoea:
- Favour foods cooked in water or steamed, grilled and baked without sauce;
- Opt for fruit such as bananas, apples or cooked pears (without the peel);
- Stay hydrated by drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day;
- Avoid pulses and raw vegetables (preferably carrots, pumpkin, unpeeled courgettes or turnips, cooked);
- Choose cereals with less fibre, such as white bread, crackers, white rice and non-wholemeal pasta;
- Avoid lactose, coffee and alcoholic drinks.
In case of nausea and vomiting:
- Eat lighter, more fractioned meals throughout the day;
- Avoid spicy foods with sauces, intense spices (curry or chilli) and spicy, fried, too sweet or salty and with an intense smell;
- Favour simpler meals, such as grilled, boiled or roasted without sauce;
- Prefer cold or room temperature foods and drinks;
- Choose dry foods (bread, plain cereals, toast, crackers, rice/maize tortillas…) and fresh foods such as fruit, jellies or ice cream;
- Avoid drinking too much liquid at mealtimes.
In case of constipation:
- Eat foods rich in fibre, such as fruit, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts and pulses;
- Drink water throughout the day (1.5 to 2 litres);
- Whenever possible, practise physical activity (if you can tolerate it and it’s not contraindicated by your doctor), as it stimulates bowel movements.
In case of loss of appetite and weight loss:
- Enrich soups with meat, fish, eggs or pulses;
- Prioritise foods with a higher calorie content, such as olive oil, nuts, nut butter or avocado;
- Eat several smaller meals throughout the day;
- Always have ready-to-eat foods available (e.g. boiled eggs, protein yoghurts, toast…);
- Start the meal with the main course, leaving the soup for later.
Anyone facing an oncological disease needs to stay well-nourished in order to avoid losing weight and/or muscle mass and to improve tolerance to the side effects of treatment. Nutritional support should be personalised according to the diagnosis and treatment being carried out, considering factors such as each person’s dietary preferences and autonomy. For those who want to take care of their health and prevent a diagnosis, there are many aspects of lifestyle that should be analysed and, if necessary, adapted – food can be a great starting point.
This article was developed in conjunction with the Jerónimo Martins Nutrition team. Ask your health professional for more information.