Cancer Prevention and Diet

Cancer is a major cause of death in the UK. Adopting a healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

In this article:

What is cancer?

How a balanced diet can help

Advice & Support

Why cancer develops

Herbs and spices

About body weight

Diet during cancer treatment

What is cancer?
Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the body begin to grow, divide and reproduce in an uncontrollable way. These abnormal cells then invade and destroy healthy tissue, including organs. Although there is no cure for cancer, there are things you can do to try to prevent developing the disease.

Why cancer develops
The development for cancer can be due to a wide variety of factors, such as: family history, exposure to radiation, poor diet, viruses, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking.

The most common cancers in men are:

Prostate Cancer

Lung Cancer, and

Colon Cancer

And in women:

Breast Cancer

Lung Cancer, and

Colon Cancer

About body weight
Excessive body fat is a particular risk factor for cancer of the:

colon

rectum

kidneys

pancreas, and

breast(s)

Try to keep your body weight under control, staying within a healthy Body Mass Index range. Body Mass Index is a statistical measurement which is calculated by dividing your weight, in kilograms, by the square of your height, in metres.

How a balanced diet can help
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables and moderate amounts of red and processed meats (beef, lamb, pork and sausages) can help reduce the risk of developing cancer. A low fibre intake can increase risk.

Aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and also starchy foods (wholemeal bread, potatoes, cereals, etc).

Herbs and spices
It can also be a good idea to use herbs and spices to flavour your food, rather than using salt, as salt and salt-preserved foods are linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Diet during cancer treatment
To generally improve your quality of life after you have been diagnosed with cancer it is important to maintain a healthy diet throughout your treatment. A balanced diet as explained above can help you to withstand infections and cope with your treatment overall.

Advice & Support
If you are under treatment for cancer and would like nutritional advice tailored specifically to you then ask to see a dietician. They will provide you with support and advice, helping you to maintain a correct nutritional intake.

Cancer Research UK
Tel. 020 7121 6699, 020 7242 0200
Website: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org

Macmillan Cancer Support
Tel. Helpline 0808 800 1234 (freephone)
Tel. 020 7739 2280 (standard rate)
Website: http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Home



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