AICR Introduces Free Brochure Containing Latest Nutritional Advice For Cancer Survivors

American Institute for Cancer Research
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Today, in a move coinciding with the first-ever conference on diet and cancer survivorship, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) introduced a new brochure specifically targeted to the nutritional concerns of cancer survivors. The free brochure, entitled "Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor," reviews the latest research, offers advice about evaluating health claims, answers specific questions on supplements, soy, and other "hot topics," and lays out simple dietary and exercise tips that may help prevent recurrence of the disease.

"Research on diet and survivorship is only beginning, but survivors have very specific questions right now," said Ritva Butrum, Vice President for Research at AICR. "They want to know how diet may affect their chances of recurrence and secondary cancers. They also want to know if making changes to their diet or lifestyle can help reduce the severity of late effects of cancer treatment and improve their overall quality of life."

"Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor" uses clear, direct language to explain what science does and does not yet know about diet and cancer survival. The brochure traces the scientific data showing how and why diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans are linked to reduced risk of first cancers. For survivors, such diets -- together with other positive steps such as maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all, and avoiding tobacco completely -- take on an even greater importance.

According to Melanie Polk, Director of Nutrition Education at AICR, the "Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor" brochure was written to fill a gap in knowledge that has for too long been occupied by confusion, frustration, unfounded rumors and unscrupulous health claims.

The need for the brochure's simple, coherent message on nutrition and survivorship became clear as AICR began to organize its recent "Nutrition After Cancer" conference, she said. "In the US alone, the survivor community comprises more than 8.5 million highly motivated and informed individuals. They let us know that they needed reliable, science-based advice on the things they can do to help stay healthy and lead vital, cancer-free lives."

Sections of the "Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor" brochure include an easy guide to Understanding the Diet-Cancer Connection, a plan called Diet and Lifestyle for Survival that provides numerous step-by-step examples, tips on Evaluating Nutritional Information, detailed information about specific foods and supplements called Things You Should Know About...,and a list of Additional Resources for more information about nutrition and survivor issues.

Unfortunately, because little national attention has been paid to survivor issues to date, research funding remains hard to come by. The more than 300 attendees of the "Nutrition After Cancer" conference, including cancer researchers, cancer survivors and health professionals, agreed that increased funding of survivor issues was long overdue.

"This brochure will not be the final word," said Polk. "As we learn more about the changes produced in the body by cancer and cancer treatment, scientists and health professionals should be able to target health advice to survivors with greater precision. We still, for example, cannot tailor our dietary guidelines to survivors of specific cancers. But the advice we do have is important, potentially life-saving, and is pointing the way for future research."

Individuals can receive a free copy of "Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor" by calling 1-800-843-8114, ext. 02, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Note: The new "Nutrition and the Cancer Survivor" brochure is a companion to another free AICR brochure, "Nutrition of the Cancer Patient," which focuses on dietary advice for those currently undergoing cancer treatment. "Nutrition of the Cancer Patient" offers tips for maintaining good nutrition throughout therapy and for minimizing eating difficulties that may arise during these procedures.

For more information, or to contact American Institute for Cancer Research, see their website at: www.aicr.org