Cancer, a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body, affects many people around the world and grows rapidly day-by-day. This can result in tumours, damage to the immune system, and other impairment that can be fatal.

Some types of cancer cause rapid cell growth, while others cause cells to grow and divide at a slower rate. Certain forms of cancer result in visible growths called tumours, while others, such as leukaemia, do not, Medical News Today reports. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. In addition to smoking, risk factors for cancer include:

• heavy alcohol consumption

• excess body weight

• physical inactivity

• poor nutrition

WHO states that the most common in 2020 (in terms of new cases of cancer) were:

• breast (2.26 million cases);

• lung (2.21 million cases);

• colon and rectum (1.93 million cases);

• prostate (1.41 million cases);

• skin (non-melanoma) (1.20 million cases); and

• stomach (1.09 million cases).

The most common causes of cancer death in 2020 were:

• lung (1.80 million deaths);

• colon and rectum (916 000 deaths);

• liver (830 000 deaths);

• stomach (769 000 deaths); and

• breast (685 000 deaths).

Each year, approximately 400,000 children develop cancer. The most common cancers vary between countries. Cervical cancer is the most common in 23 countries.

According to health professionals, people with cancer need to maintain a healthy body weight and eat nutritious foods. Sometimes the side effects of cancer treatment can cause a person to eat less and lose weight. Losing weight without trying can make you weak and malnourished. On the other hand, some cancer treatments may cause weight gain.

Cancer and nutrition

Esther Batetiwabo, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital, shares some nutrition tips for cancer patients:

Protein

The body needs protein for growth, to repair body tissue and keep the patient’s immune system strong, as this helps the body to recover from the illness and reduce the risk of infection. Protein sources include fish, poultry, lean meat, eggs, low fat dairy products, dried beans, lentils, nuts, soy, and peas.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy to the body for proper organ function. They include whole grains such as brown rice, brown pasta, whole wheat, whole oats, and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, cassava and fruits.

Fats and oils

Fats and oils play an important role in nutrition of cancer patients because they serve as a rich source of energy for the body, insulate body tissue, and transport vitamins.

"The patients have to choose healthy fats such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, canola peanut, sunflower, and peanut. Over saturated and trans-fats like animal fats, palm oil, coconut,” Batetiwabo says.

Fibre

Fibre is also important in cancer patients’ meals because it helps in digestion. Fibre is found in fruits, such as apples and bananas, and vegetables, like carrots, beets and broccoli, also whole cereals, like barley and oatmeal, and seeds.

Vitamins and minerals

The body needs vitamins and minerals to function properly and some of them are A, C, E, selenium and zinc that act as antioxidants that help to prevent free radicals from attacking normal body cells. Rich sources of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants are different fruits and vegetables, like citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit, strawberries and green leafy vegetables - such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. 

She adds that the DASH diet, which means Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, can also help in lowering the risk of some cancers like colorectal and breast due to its components like fibre and antioxidants that make the body’s immune system strong.

Side effects and nutrition

Cancer.Net, a platform that offers a wide range of information to help patients cope with cancer diagnosis and transition to survivorship, states that cancer treatment often causes side effects, such as diarrhoea, nausea, mouth sores, and taste changes. These side effects may make it difficult to eat or drink. Follow these tips to help you get the nutrition you need:

If water tastes unpleasant to you, take in more liquid through foods and other drinks. For example, eat soup or watermelon and drink tea, milk, or milk substitutes. A sports drink is another option. There are sugar-free ones available for people watching their blood glucose. You can also flavour your water by adding a little bit of fruit juice.

If food tastes bland, try seasoning it with flavourful spices. For example, try using lemon, garlic, cayenne, dill, and rosemary. If your mouth is sore, you may need to choose non-acidic and non-spicy foods until it heals.

Eat six small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals. Make sure you reach your calorie goal with these smaller meals.

If meat is no longer appealing, get protein from other foods. For example, try fish, eggs, cheese, beans, nuts, nut butters, tofu, or high-protein smoothies or shakes, the aforementioned platform suggests.