Nutrition and Cancer

As most of you know cancer is one the biggest killers in the UK and worldwide for that matter. Interestingly, there is a lot of evidence that shows that not just nutrition, but lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role in its development and prevention.Before I start giving recommendations, I think it’s vital to define cancer. Cancer can be defined as a ‘malignant tumour’ or growth. It usually arises from the ‘uncontrollable, purposeless division of abnormal cells. These cells usually have abnormal features and contain damaged genes (the genetic information which controls the cell’s normal functions).

Let’s talk about environmental factors, things such as tobacco smoke, arsenic and nickel, can be defined carcinogenic (harmful substances which promote cancer). These carcinogens create as it were, an accelerated immune response. If the immune system cannot destroy or identify them, their prolonged activity (usually inflammation) can promote the development of cancer.

 Let’s get on to the bit you’re all waiting for, the nutrition factor. There is strong evidence that shows that a diet high in saturated fatty acid is associated with breast, colon, rectum and prostate cancers. This is mainly because saturated fatty acids promote the development of bad cholesterol known as Low density lipoprotein (LDL) - cholesterol; this promotes an imbalance of cholesterol in the body and can cause the development of harmful substances in the body when stored as fat in fat (adipose) tissue. In addition, some authors had found that consuming more than 40g of alcohol per day is directly associated with cancers of the ‘oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus and larynx’.

On a more positive note, the following anti-oxidants Vitamins C, E and selenium have been found to reduce the uncontrolled rate of programmed cell death (apoptosis), which is often characterised in cancer development, as well as reducing the tumour size and growth, respectively. Foods rich in Vitamin A have been found to protect against chemicals, which can cause damage to cells (‘free radicals’). They too - have been found to protect against the ‘premalignant phase’ of tumour development. 

So what recommendation should be made?

The information below is modified from the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute For Cancer Research Expert Paper (2007):

·      Individuals should strive to maintain a healthy BMI range 18 – 25 kg/m²   (NB this range may not consistent with those who have high muscle mass or pregnant).

·      Those who are relatively well enough should take part in exercise often – the British Heart Foundation recommends 30 – 45 minutes of light, moderate exercise.

·      Avoid energy dense foods – such as foods high in sugar and avoid sugary drinks

·      Eat as many foods of plant origin

·      Avoid processed and red meats

·      Limit alcoholic drinks – less than 40g a day

·      Limit consumption of salt – No more than 4g a day.

·      Make sure your nutritional requirements are sought through diet alone, don’t use nutritional supplements unless absolutely necessary.

·      Lactating mothers are recommended to breast feed their children until weaning as opposed to using formula milk.