Medically reviewed by Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD/LDN, CSO While there is limited scientific evidence demonstrating that eating organic food can decrease cancer risk, what is the evidence regarding its counterpart, GMOs? For now, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that consuming GMOs can increase your cancer risk. What are GMOs? GMO stands for genetically modified organism; … Read more
Medically reviewed by Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, MD, MPH Colorectal cancer forms in the tissues of the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine. The colon and rectum are part of the body’s digestive system, which is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. The first six feet of … Read more
Medically reviewed by Jennifer A. Ligibel, MD Cancer can present a host of physical challenges. During treatment, a patient may not be able to move far from their bed or room; therapy can also lead to metabolic changes that disrupt the way the body processes food to create energy. Add that to a hectic appointment … Read more
Regardless of age, a cancer diagnosis can be stressful, and everyone will process it differently. An older patient will have particular needs, and you and your support system have a unique blend of factors to consider. “As the population becomes healthier, we’re living longer, fuller lives,” says Rachel Freedman, MD, MPH, a medical oncologist at … Read more
Reduced-intensity stem cell transplants, which don’t require the traditional week-long hospital stay, are offered to qualified patients at many cancer treatment centers across the country, including Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center. These outpatient transplants (also known as ambulatory transplants) are identical in virtually every respect to those performed on an inpatient basis, with the exception … Read more
In some cases, despite a cancer care team’s best effort, cancer comes back after treatment. This is known as a relapse or recurrence. The news can have a similar emotional impact to a patient’s initial diagnosis; patients may experience shock or feel overwhelmed. Everyone’s experience is different, and the most important thing you can do … Read more
Eating with esophageal cancer can present difficulties for patients before, during, and after treatment. Patients may go through radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, or any combination of these in an effort to eliminate or beat back the cancer. Esophageal cancer and its treatment can also cause the esophagus to narrow and/or become dry, sore, and irritated, … Read more
The health risks (and benefits) of coffee have been investigated by medical professionals for years—but so far, there is not a concrete connection between coffee consumption and cancer. Overall, the health benefits of coffee seem to outweigh the bad. Multiple studies have shown that coffee consumption (without any of the added fats and sugars) is … Read more
Media reports on the effect of diet and physical activity on breast cancer risk can be head-spinning. One report may suggest that eating a particular food — broccoli, for example — can help prevent breast cancer. Another may conclude that a substance within that same food actually promotes the disease. How can you sort out … Read more
For many patients, cancer treatment can result in nausea, vomiting, and a decreased appetite. This can make it difficult to eat well, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy weight – all of which are key factors in helping patients feel stronger and tolerate treatments better. Here are some ways to manage these side effects. Plan … Read more
A balanced diet promotes health and wellness in everyone, including people with cancer. By properly balancing your plate and adopting (or dropping) certain eating habits, you’ll be ensuring that your body is getting the nutrition that it needs to function well. An accurately balanced plate of food will consist of 50 percent fruits and vegetables, 25 … Read more
One of the biggest questions people have is how they can still eat tasty foods and also stay on track with their nutrition goals. To cut back on or eliminate alcohol, you can modify cocktails by swapping out wine or champagne with carbonated water and fresh fruits. If you are going to enjoy a glass of … Read more
For your homemade mac and cheese, take out the typical roux (butter, milk, flour) and replace it with pureed butternut squash. You’ll have a lower calorie meal, without losing the lusciousness of this classic rich dish. And there’s a bonus: you’ll be adding phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Servings: 4 Ingredients 2 cups uncooked, whole … Read more
For this palate cleansing side dish, replace the typical large amount of added sugar with a tablespoon or so of agave, honey, or maple syrup. Balance with protein and healthy fats, like nuts and goat cheese. The colorful variety of fruits provide a rich source of phytonutrients (immune systems of the plants), which offer an … Read more
The link between alcohol consumption and personal health has long been a controversial subject. For several decades, research has found conflicting evidence regarding alcohol’s physical effects—often resulting in ever-changing headlines and diet trends. Stacy Kennedy, MPH, RD, a senior clinical nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the risks and benefits often associated with alcohol. … Read more
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, in terms of diet and exercise, is especially important for cancer patients in reducing stress, minimizing side effects, and boosting energy levels to power through treatment and recovery.
The evidence to date points to a benefit from reducing or eliminating nighttime eating. But it is too soon to recommend altering meal times for cancer prevention.
Adequate hydration is an important aspect of health for everyone, especially for those undergoing cancer treatment.
Here’s what we know about whether any foods are anti-angiogenic—in other words, able to block cancer blood vessel growth.
There is speculation that a keto diet can help cancer patients “starve cancer cells” by preventing the cells from using glucose for energy and growth. But is there evidence that a keto diet can be truly beneficial in the treatment of cancer?