A large and very exciting area of research that has emerged in the field of oncology in recent years involves a growing awareness of the important role that nutrition plays in cancer. Despite significant advances in our understanding about this role, however, a great deal of controversy and confusion remains.

Cancer Is A Group Of Diseases   
Cancer is in fact a very complex, heterogeneous array of diseases that have many different forms and manifestations. In fact, at least one hundred distinct types of cancer affect human beings. Each different type of cancer has its own unique set of features, qualities and characteristics. Because of this tremendous diversity, it is often very difficult to make broad generalizations regarding the role that nutrition plays in the disease or treatment process.

Next, no two individual people are ever the same. Thus, the very same type of cancer can manifest in completely different ways in different people. Furthermore, the way different people respond to and process all aspects of life varies greatly, and this is particularly true when dealing with cancer. This fundamental reality makes it even harder to make broad generalizations about optimal approaches to care that are meaningful and consistent - particularly regarding the subject of nutrition.

• The role that nutrition can play in cancer has at least four distinct areas:
• The prevention of cancer
• The cause of cancer
• Helping patients while they are undergoing treatment for cancer
• After completing treatment for cancer

When put in this context, it becomes easy to see why there is still so much controversy and confusion regarding this subject. Also, finding precise, clear and completely reliable answers in each of these areas is not a simple process. Meaningful answers can only come from well-organized scientific research studies, and these can be extremely difficult, expensive and time-consuming, particularly when questions about nutrition are involved. Many challenges are encountered in trying to organize and conduct clinical research trials of this type. While this kind of research is difficult, it can be done, and indeed is being done more and more. When talking with patients, in most situations I usually begin with the same message: "Keep it all in perspective, and use common sense!"

Don't Let Nutrition Become A Stress If you or a loved one is now facing the ordeal of cancer, and particularly if this involves surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation, you are undoubtedly dealing with a lot of stress, pressure and uncertainty in your life. However, in my opinion it is very important that you not let questions and worries about nutrition become another source of stress and discord. You have enough to worry about right now without the added burden of becoming overly concerned about what or how much to eat. Rather it should be placed appropriately in this hierarchy of very important concerns

• Do you have an oncologist whom you completely trust, and with whom you can talk openly? If not, you should correct this right away.
• Do you understand what kind of cancer you have and what your treatment options are?
• Do you understand what will be involved in your particular treatment?
• Are you absolutely confident that you are, or will soon be, receiving the very best possible treatment for your cancer? If not, it may not matter all that much what you eat or don't along the way.
• Are you taking time every single day to address the mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of yourself, and of healing, along with the physical ones? Or are you focusing only on your physical body and ignoring your mind, your heart, your emotions and your spirit? If so, this is a huge mistake. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that too many patients and family members make in the process of dealing with cancer, and it often ends up costing them dearly. Decide right now that you not make the same mistake.

Begin Doing This Today   
After the above issues have been appropriately addressed, it is time to look more deeply at the role of nutrition at this point in your life. Here are some very simple guidelines that you can begin to follow today:

• Eat as many fruits, vegetables and whole grains as you can each day
• Avoid greasy, fatty, and fried foods
• Avoid all junk food, as much as possible
• Avoid drinking alcohol - especially in excess
• Try to enjoy your food as much as possible during this difficult time, particularly if your appetite is not that great. Don't allow yourself to become stressed about what you - or your loved ones - eat, or don't eat. This won't help either one of you at all.
• Drink at least six to eight glasses of spring water each day
• Consider supplementing your diet with a high-quality multivitamin once a day. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, try vitamin powders that you can mix in fruit juices.
• Consider other nutritional supplements such as liquid trace-mineral supplements, milk shakes, fruit "smoothies," or commercially available supplements such as Ensure or Sustacal. A natural powdered nutritional supplement that I have also found to be quite helpful is called Green's Plus and is available in many health-food stores.
• Go to a support group and talk to other patients and family members. Find out what has worked for them.
• Stay flexible, and keep and open mind.

Much has been said, and written, about even more intensive nutritional programs that many people are exploring today, including things like high-dose intravenous vitamin regimens, cleansing diets, macrobiotics and other options. Indeed, numerous anecdotal accounts and claims regarding these and others programs can easily be found. It is important to remember, however, that virtually none of them have ever been scientifically proven to be of real benefit, particularly on a consistent basis. Perhaps one day some of these programs may in fact prove to be genuinely helpful. For now, however, they remain unproven. Sometimes they also have real risks and potential adverse effects. This is particularly true of antioxidants when taken concurrently with chemotherapy or radiation. Keep these points in mind when considering these options.

In my opinion, it is most important to discuss all of your needs, questions an concerns directly with your oncologist and to remember that dealing with cancer is usually a long-term process. There is much to learn and know about this process and it will take time. If you are curious, keep reading, asking questions and exploring. Try always to keep the big picture in mind and trust that you will find the answers you need.