Eating Well During Chemo
It’s a choice you face every day: What can I eat to help me stay healthy and feel better? Here, dieticians from the American Cancer Society answer some of their most frequently asked questions about diet and exercise during cancer treatment.

Q. Are there any foods I should avoid during chemotherapy?

Good nutrition is especially important for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. Energy needs during chemotherapy vary from person to person. Consume a variety of food to provide the necessary nutrients to maintain your health while fighting cancer. Chemotherapy can weaken the body’s immune system and cause nutrition related side effects. Depending on the situation, there may be a time when certain foods should be limited or eliminated. Refer to the American Cancer Society Web site for suggestions to cope with treatment related side effects that affect your ability to eat.

Q. Can I continue to take my antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment?

Many dietary supplements contain levels of antioxidants (such as vitamin C and E) that exceed the amount recommended in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for optimal health. Most cancer experts advise against taking doses above the DRI during cancer treatment because antioxidants could prevent cellular destruction to cancer cells. However, others have noted that the possible harm is only hypothetical and that there may be an overall benefit to protecting normal cells from potential damage due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Until more evidence is available that suggests more benefit than harm, it is prudent for cancer survivors receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy to avoid dietary supplements that exceed 100% of recommended daily value.

Q. Is it true that sugar “feeds” cancer?

No. Sugar intake has not been shown to directly increase risk or progression of cancer. The simplest form of sugar is glucose and all the cells in the body need glucose. So sugar feeds all the cells of the body, not just cancer cells. When you consume carbohydrates, your body produces the hormone insulin. Insulin is a hormone that promotes cell growth and many types of cancer cells have insulin receptors. This means the more insulin in your body, the more fuel to cause the cancer cells to grow and divide. To lower the insulin response, combine a carbohydrate food with a lean source of protein, fiber, or fat. An example would be to combine a fresh apple with either a slice of low-fat cheese or peanut butter. Another example might be to combine vegetable juice with a small handful of nuts. Avoiding all sugar is not necessary, however sugar (including honey, raw sugar, brown sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and molasses), and beverages that contain these sugars, add substantial amounts of calories to the diet and thus can promote weight gain, which adversely affects cancer outcomes.

Q. I’m very overweight and before my diagnosis I was following a calorie-restricted diet that really worked. Do I need to discontinue this diet now that I am receiving cancer treatment?

Cancer survivors who are overweight or obese can continue modest weight loss (a maximum of two pounds per week) during cancer treatment, provided their treating oncologist approves, weight loss is monitored closely and weight loss does not interfere with treatment. Weight loss should be achieved through a well-balanced diet and physical activity that has been tailored to the individual needs of the person being treated. Emerging evidence suggests that reducing calorie consumption by emphasizing low-energy density foods (water, fiber rich vegetables, fruits, soups, cooked whole grains) and limiting intake of fat and sugar promotes healthy weight control.

Q. Should I exercise during cancer treatment and recovery?

Yes. Strong evidence suggests that exercise is safe and can improve an individual’s physical function and quality of life. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve fatigue, anxiety, and self-esteem, as well as cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and body composition. Individuals undergoing cancer treatment may need to temporarily decrease the intensity or duration of their regular workout. Check with your oncologist before beginning any exercise program.

Q. Are there special precautions I should consider if I want to exercise?

Cancer treatment may have some effects that would increase the risk of exercise-related injuries or hamper your ability to exercise. Survivors undergoing radiation therapy, or who have severe anemia, compromised immune function, severe fatigue, indwelling catheters or neuropathy should check with their oncologist before beginning any exercise program.

Next: Get Moving
Main Page