Cancer Experts Issue Nutrition Guidelines for Cancer Survivors

American Institute for Cancer Research
Thursday, 11 July 2002

During the AICR/WCRF International Research Conference on Food, Nutrition and Cancer held in Washington, D.C. this week, the American Institute for Cancer Research issued nutritional guidelines for cancer survivors. The guidelines are intended to help cancer survivors, following treatment, choose foods that will reduce risk of secondary tumors or recurrence of their cancer.

"During treatment, many cancer survivors need to eat whatever foods they can tolerate to maintain strength. But after treatment, they often ask what changes they can make in their diet and activity level to regain energy and then stay healthy and cancer free," said Jeff Prince, AICR's Vice President for Education.

Physicians are often reluctant to offer dietary recommendations to cancer survivors since science-based conclusions have been lacking. As a result, many survivors are persuaded by anecdotal evidence and marketing programs to overdose on untested supplements.

AICR is actively promoting research on diet, exercise and cancer survivors through conferences, its grant program and its new fellowship program.

"Meanwhile, we are issuing seven dietary guidelines for cancer survivors based on the extensive research that has been done on the link between diet and reducing the risk of primary cancers. There is a consensus among researchers and clinicians that, until more is known, cancer survivors should regard these guidelines as relevant to their situation," Prince said. The seven guidelines are:

1. Choose predominantly plant-based diets rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits.

2. If eaten at all, limit intake of red meat to less than three ounces daily.

3. Limit consumption of fatty foods, particularly those of animal origin. Choose modest amounts of appropriate vegetable oils.

4. Limit consumption of salted foods and use of cooking and table salt. Use herbs and spices to season foods.

5. Limit alcoholic drinks to less than two drinks a day for men and one for women.

6. Do not eat charred food. Consume the following only occasionally: meat and fish grilled in direct flame, cured and smoked meats.

7. Avoid being overweight and limit weight gain during adulthood. Take an hour's brisk walk or similar exercise daily.

Commentary on these guidelines appears on AICR's new online Cancer Survivor's Guide at www.aicr.org/survivor. A more detailed commentary is included in chapter two of AICR's forthcoming book on dietary options for cancer survivors.

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