FAQs

What should I do if I am losing weight without trying?

Your nutritional requirements can increase during times of illness, after surgery and when you have cancer, this can cause weight loss. Choosing high energy and protein foods can help increase your nutritional intake. You will find ideas of ways to do this in the 'Coping with a small appetite' leaflet. If you continue to lose weight speak with your healthcare professional for advice.

 

What should I do if I am gaining weight?

Having cancer and cancer treatment can affect our lives in many ways. Sometimes people find they are less active than normal, or symptoms like fatigue and lots of appointments can make it difficult to cook meals. Certain medications such as steroids can also increase your appetite and may lead to eating more in the short term.

If you are gaining weight and eating more try to follow a healthy balanced diet. It can also help to be mindful of your portion sizes and choose healthy snacks. The World Cancer Research Fund have some information you may find helpful.

 

Does sugar feed cancer?

There is no strong evidence to suggest sugar directly increases cancer risk or cancer progression. If the body is starved of foods containing natural sugars such as dairy, fruits and vegetables, starchy carbohydrate such as grains, and added sugars such as cakes and biscuits, then the body breaks down its muscle protein and fat stores to give the body a source of sugar. Therefore, a diet low in natural or added sugar will not stop cancer cells getting energy. Additionally, cutting out food groups can cause malnutrition, and loss of weight.

It is useful to remember that foods high in sugar, and sugary foods like cake, confectionary and fizzy drinks are often high in calories and in quick-release energy, which can result in increased weight gain and body fat, which are known risk factors for many cancers. These foods are also low in other nutrients. Therefore as part of a healthy diet, it is a good idea to limit sugar and sugary foods. However, during cancer treatment it may be necessary to rely on these foods if you are struggling with your eating. A dietitian can support with this.

 

Is red meat bad for you?

Red meat is a good source of protein and minerals such as iron and can form part of a healthy, balanced diet, but we don't necessarily need it every day. The evidence suggests that regularly eating more than 350-500g red meat (cooked weight) or 700-750g raw red meat per week can increase the risk of bowel cancers. Other sources of protein are recommended such as fish (1-2 portions per week, 1 of which oily), lean poultry, eggs, beans and pulses or vegan/vegetarian alternatives such as Quorn or tofu.

There is strong evidence that processed meats increase the risk of bowel and stomach cancers. Processed meats are those that have been smoked, cured, or had salt or chemical preservatives added to it rather than having just been cooked or reformed (like some sausages and burgers). Processed meats include bacon, salami, chorizo, corned beef, pepperoni, pastrami, hot dogs and all types of ham. (These are all generally higher in fat and salt). The World Cancer Research Fund continuous update report recommends avoiding processed meat.

 

Should I take dietary supplements to protect against cancer recurrence?

There is currently no evidence that dietary supplements can reduce the risk of recurrence or improve the likelihood of survival. There is strong evidence that taking high doses of some supplements may be harmful and may interact with some cancer treatments. It is better to obtain essential nutrients from foods rather than supplements. Some dietary supplements may be indicated where there is an identified clinical need (such as when someone is unable to manage a normal, balanced diet), and in such cases, a doctor, dietitian or specialist nurse can offer advice. 

If you are taking nutritional supplements please discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Especially if you are on cancer treatment it is important your team knows you are taking nutritional supplements, in case any interact with your medication.  

 

Is juicing vegetables and fruit a good way to increase vitamin and mineral intake?

It is much better to eat whole vegetables and fruits than to juice them because they contain fibre as well as less concentrated amounts of sugar. Some of the natural goodness may be lost in juicing, as some vitamins deteriorate rapidly after cutting or chopping. Eating whole fruits or vegetables are also more filling.

Juicing, can however, add variety to the diet and can be a good way to eat fruit and vegetables for people who have difficulty swallowing or chewing.

 

Should soya be avoided if you have a hormone responsive cancer?

Soya foods can provide a useful source of protein, particularly for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Some people think that they need to avoid soya based products following a diagnosis with a hormone responsive cancer. Current guidance from the World Cancer Research Fund is that soya can be included as part of a healthy diet if liked, as research so far has not shown soya to either increase or decrease risk of these cancers. Soya supplements, however, should be avoided due to their concentrated nature and limited research into their safety.

 

Is red wine protective against cancer?

There is strong evidence that alcohol increases the risk of a number of cancers such as cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast cancer. Strong evidence refers to conclusions of "convincing" and "probable" associations. Alcohol is also high in calories so can lead to weight gain.

For cancer prevention, the World Cancer Research Fund recommendation on alcohol is either to avoid it, or limit intake to 14 units for both men and women, spread evenly over the week. 

 

Do 'superfoods' help to boost immunity?

While certain foods have been reported to have cancer-protective effects and other health benefits, there's no such thing as a 'superfood' despite thousands of websites claiming otherwise. It's a marketing term used to sell products and has no scientific basis. No one food in isolation can have a profound effect on our health, or provide all the nutrients we need. 

However some foods are clearly healthier than others. Choosing foods such as blueberries, beetroot, and broccoli is a great idea, and eating a range of different fruit and vegetables is helpful too, but the specific types doesn't really matter.