By Morgan Knust, MMN, RDN, LMNT

The search for better treatment options for cancer is an ongoing process. One of the more recent debates is the role of diet in cancer prevention and treatment. Can nutrition cure cancer? 

The relationship between diet and cancer

The short answer is no – diet alone does not cause cancer, nor does it cure cancer. Cancer is a complex disease that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as someone’s genetics, environment and lifestyle. However, healthy eating and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce cancer risk. 

Food also provides the energy and essential nutrients needed during treatment. While diet by itself is not a cure, a healthy eating pattern can aid cancer prevention. It also acts as a complementary treatment to traditional cancer therapies.

What should I eat to prevent cancer?

Cancer research currently focuses on dietary patterns rather than specific foods. Both the American Cancer Society and American Institute for Cancer Research have similar dietary recommendations for cancer prevention. 

1. Focus on foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. These foods contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and natural compounds, which have been shown to reduce cancer risk.
2. Limit red meat, processed meats, refined carbohydrates, added sugars and alcohol.
3. Eat foods that can help you maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight is a contributing cause of cancer.

The AICR recommends following the New American Plate. This is a tool to help visualize how to fill up your plate. It focuses on both portion sizes and proportions of different types of food. 

The goal of the New American Plate is to fill 2/3 of your plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans. The other 1/3 focuses on protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs or dairy products. This does not have to be a strict rule at every meal, but it can provide guidance to help make healthy choices. 

What should I eat if I already have a cancer diagnosis?

What you should eat depends on how you’re feeling. If you have an appetite and eat well, follow the New American Plate guidelines. If you’re experiencing symptoms that make eating a challenge, any nutrition you can get is helpful. Your body needs energy and protein for healing and health maintenance, especially after surgery or through ongoing treatments. 

If you want help making healthy changes to your diet or with finding foods for symptom management, consider meeting with a registered dietitian. While diet alone cannot cure cancer, nutrition is a key component of a comprehensive treatment plan that promotes overall well-being and can reduce cancer risk.