Diet and cancer: What changes have you made?

It astonishes me that so many in the mainstream medical community aren't willing to go out on a limb in this one instance (where a healthful change can't possibly hinder one's treatment) and say, "Yes -- I think that the kind of fuel you put into your body matters. So eat lots of plants, don't eat lab chemicals, and buy organic everything if you can afford it."

I mean, the cancer center where I'm treated hands out Ensure! Lab chemicals and sugar out the wazoo.

In 2012-13, I experienced significant improvement bc of diet. I had developed pain and swelling in many of my joints (turned out to be an autoimmune disease); as I waited to be seen by a clinic (I had no insurance and had only PT work, thanks to the Great Recession), I cut most lab chemicals and most sugar, and I felt significantly better / had far less swelling.

Bc of some intense life stressors, I didn't stick with the improved diet -- but finally, in Nov. 2019, at age 58, I switched to a plant-based, almost-no-added-sugar, almost-zero-lab-chemicals diet, and I stuck with it for 3+ years. I firmly believe that my improved diet and mostly better health contributed to my having a reasonably easy time with a notoriously toxic chemo (FOLFIRINOX).

Yes, a good diet didn't prevent my cancer -- but there's a lot of cancer in my family (it killed 3 of the 9 in my parents' generation, and so far 4 of 14 of us in my generation on my mother's side have, or had, cancer), so I think my genetic predisposition, plus many years without healthcare, plus many years of mega-stress + poor sleep + mediocre diet, made it almost inevitable.

(Weirdly, after my symptoms exploded, in Jan. 2023, my taste buds changed 100%, and I've eaten not-so-well this past year -- but I'm finally regaining my former taste buds and gradually reverting to my former diet: lots of veg, beans, brown rice, steel-cut oats, some millet, some quinoa, some fruit, some tofu, some fish, some nut butters, a little dairy, and a little dark chocolate. Also, in case others have little prep time or a tiny budget, as do I, consider relying on frozen veg -- not as versatile as fresh, but I've read that they're equally nutritious.)

So, yes, go for a plant-based, whole-foods, no-lab-chemicals, low-or-no-sugar diet. And, organic whenever you can, preferably always. Good luck.

PS: I haven't yet read "How to Starve Cancer" by Jane McLelland, but it has been recommended.

Thanks for sharing. It helps to know that over time and with patience and consistency our food preferences actually change so that we crave the foods that are healthy. In other words it becomes easier over time. It is easy to become overwhelmed when trying to change a habit. Sometimes it helps to make one important improvement at a time, eg, just cut out Soda pop or reduce coffee—or add in an extra vegetable—whatever you choose—until you have made that adjustment and not worry too much about the other changes that you might like to make until you’ve comfortable with where you are with the new habit.
I found that going to the gym made me crave healthier foods. It’s very much geared to the individual so no single approach will work for everyone.
It’s a work in progress.

@gisellef: I agree with your "take it gradually" approach, have used that approach in other areas of my life, and have suggested that approach when others have talked about wanting to change their diet. When I changed my diet in 2019, though, I was finally ready for a wholesale change, so that's how I proceeded. And, as you note, everyone must find their own way.

With regard to cravings, I 100% doubted that I could make this particular change. I'd watch PBS programs about eating well for health and I'd think, "I *believe* what you-the-expert are saying, but that won't happen for me -- I'm never going to stop craving x, y, and z."

But I did. On the one hand, it amazes me to have witnessed a change that once seemed impossible; on the other, this change seems completely reasonable because our bodies evolved to eat what grew, or moved around, in Nature.

Also, if I sounded didactic, apologies; I do feel strongly, though, that lab-made chemicals are doing terrible things to us (and to the flora and fauna we depend on, and that have a right to live free from this type of interference). Best wishes.

Good Morning:
A good book that draws upon numerous long term studies of diet and disease, including cancer, is “Eat to beat Disease” by Dr William Li. He is affiliated with Harvard Med School. In it he talks about five different areas or ways in which certain foods support or hinder our immune systems. It is a bit too complex to go into specifics here but the main takeaways are to eat foods every day that support each of these areas or functions. He cites numerous long term studies that support his recommendations. Keep unhealthy fats and sugars to a minimum. However, it’s not so much about restricting the food you like but making sure you eat the good stuff every day. Found this book in MD Anderson Cancer Center Library while visiting with a family member and we have been following it closely ever since.
Another oncologist says to add green tea to the diet. It helps with weight loss and studies show a connection to reduced rate of cancer. There is a good article on the benefits of tea in ‘Cancer Today’ 2023 (but I drink mine without sugar, as you really need to avoid sugar). As others have posted, the plant focused diet makes sense as it is lower in fat content.

@gisellef ,

Thank you for your post!

The book by Dr. William Li "Eat to Beat Disease" and his YouTube interviews are fantastic! I highly recommend his book.

The YouTube video with Dr Li that convinced me of the scientific evidence for food is titled "Healthy Foods that Heal the Body, Starve Cancer, and Prevent Disease". Dr. Li's medical, scientific, and research background on this topic is both impressive and encouraging.

I was recently diagnosed with Stage 1b Lung Cancer in my left lower lung at Mayo. My doctors at home and at Mayo Rochester have been following the ground glass opacity on my lung for
4 years. It now has a semi sub solid component that is positive for early cancer on a PET scan.

I am now following Dr Li's nutrition guidelines, which includes lots of specific fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, no processed foods or sugar.

I am not strictly eating plant based foods. I include aged cheeses and milk for calcium, and occasional organic chicken, and eggs.

I decided to only eat one meal a day between 11-1 and fast in between without snacking to try and starve the cancer of glucose and nutrients it needs to grow.

@gisellef ,

Thank you for your post!

The book by Dr. William Li "Eat to Beat Disease" and his YouTube interviews are fantastic! I highly recommend his book.

The YouTube video with Dr Li that convinced me of the scientific evidence for food is titled "Healthy Foods that Heal the Body, Starve Cancer, and Prevent Disease". Dr. Li's medical, scientific, and research background on this topic is both impressive and encouraging.

I was recently diagnosed with Stage 1b Lung Cancer in my left lower lung at Mayo. My doctors at home and at Mayo Rochester have been following the ground glass opacity on my lung for
4 years. It now has a semi sub solid component that is positive for early cancer on a PET scan.

I am now following Dr Li's nutrition guidelines, which includes lots of specific fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, no processed foods or sugar.

I am not strictly eating plant based foods. I include aged cheeses and milk for calcium, and occasional organic chicken, and eggs.

I decided to only eat one meal a day between 11-1 and fast in between without snacking to try and starve the cancer of glucose and nutrients it needs to grow.

Thank you for your encouraging words.

What screening tests are you having and how often? When were you diagnosed?

I am scheduled for my next CT in January. The recommendation from Mayo Radiation Oncology is to screen every 4 months. My prognosis is good. I did not want to have a Bronchoscopy because I have multiple heart issues. I also have an appointment with the Thoracic Surgeon to discuss my case.

Can I ask if you've had chemo and/or radiotherapy as I found I couldn't eat most of the time,never mind tty to follow a diet,it was very difficult to eat anything.

I have not been treated for cancer but was a primary caregiver for a family member about 2 and a half years ago. It’s very important to keep eating, especially protein during treatment. Find out which foods are most appetizing (not junk or processed foods) and have more of those. My family member had a protein shake once a day. She also had a prescription to reduce nausea. It helps when others eat with you and encourage you to eat just a bit more. Talk to a dietitian specializing in cancer treatment. There may be tips. Is there a particular time of day when you can tolerate food more than at other times? Perhaps reframe your thoughts about eating as your contribution to the treatment process and focus on the positives. From my experience a positive attitude can be the most important factor that you can bring to your health. All the best.