Cancer and Your Diet: The Hidden Connection
Providence Regional Cancer System
Editor's Note: This article is posted on behalf of Dr. Sarah A. Samaan, MD, FACC who will be speaking Feb. 24, 6 p.m. on "Heart Health for women on the go" you can register online or call 493.7768.
Most of us are well aware of the link between diet and heart health, but the connection between cancer and diet is not as well defined. Over the past 10 years, nutritional research has made great progress, and as a cardiologist, I have been pleasantly surprised to learn that many of the foods and habits that promote heart health also reduce our risk for cancer recurrence.
The Mediterranean diet has received the most attention, and for good reason. With its emphasis on whole grains, fruits, green leafy vegetables, garlic, aromatic herbs, olive oil, and fish, this diet is associated with a 33%- 70% lower risk for heart disease, compared with a traditional Western diet.
One study from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston analyzed the diets of more than 1,000 patients with stage 3 colon cancer. They found that those patients who consumed high-fat, high sugar diets were three and a half times more likely to see a recurrence of cancer. View Study.
The traditional Mediterranean diet is high in fish and includes only small amounts of red meat from free-range animals. Additionally, the high fiber, low sugar aspect of the diet appears to have some protective qualities against depression, inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. Source.
The best thing about the Mediterranean diet is that it is delicious and accessible. You can keep it as simple as grilled salmon with a tomato salad drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with basil leaves, or you can make it as complex as your culinary heart desires.
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Reader Comments (6)
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Health Tips
Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. Eating the right kinds of foods during and after treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger.
I am really so amazed in this facts. I can't believe that cancer can really have a connection to our diet. I am lucky that I learn this. I will share this important information to all cancer patients that I know. This will give them inspiration to keep fighting.
Thank you for this post ....
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