Cancer Diet Q&A
Answering the most common dietary questions from cancer patients: Eating right can help make treatment more effective.
Free cancer support
Q1. Is eating lots of fruits and vegetables enough for a cancer diet?
A balanced diet is key. Cancer patients need all six food groups, especially high-quality protein (fish, chicken, beans, and low-fat dairy), which helps repair immune cells and tissues. Eating only fruits and vegetables can lead to nutritional imbalances, which may actually hinder treatment.
Key Points:
- A balanced diet is key
- Needs all six food groups → Especially fish, chicken, beans, and low-fat dairy
- Eating only fruits and vegetables can lead to nutritional imbalances, which may actually hinder treatment
Q2. What if chemotherapy causes mouth sores and painful swallowing?
Supplementing with glutamate can reduce the incidence of oral mucositis. Soft foods such as steamed eggs, pudding, and tofu are also good choices, while hot or spicy foods should be avoided.
Key Points:
Supplementing with glutamic acid → Reduces oral mucositis
Soft foods: Steamed eggs, pudding, tofu
Avoid hot and spicy foods
Q3. Can breast cancer patients eat soy?
Natural soy foods are considered safe and may even help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, it is not recommended to use isoflavone supplements. It is suggested to consume 1–3 servings of natural soy products per day.
Key points：
Natural soy foods are safe and may lower recurrence risk
Avoid isoflavone supplements
Recommendation: 1–3 servings of natural soy products daily
Q4. Is it safe to take probiotics and digestive enzymes for diarrhea or bloating?
Probiotics help maintain gut health, but they should be avoided if white blood cell (WBC) count is below 2000. Digestive enzymes can be taken in moderation after meals, and natural enzyme-rich fruits such as kiwi, papaya, and pineapple are also good options.
Key points：
Probiotics support gut health but avoid if WBC < 2000
Digestive enzymes: can be taken moderately after meals
Natural enzyme fruits: kiwi, papaya, pineapple
By following balanced nutrition and practical strategies, cancer patients can better manage treatment side effects, protect immunity, and maintain overall well-being.
