Should I consider special diets (vegan, vegetarian, ketogenic, etc) after receiving a cancer diagnosis?
Following a cancer diagnosis, many patients view food and diet selection as a way to remain in control of what they put into their bodies. Regardless of the diet, maintaining adequate nutrition while undergoing weekly treatments is imperative, and helps patients reduce treatment-induced side effects, avoid delays secondary to complications in treatment, and sustain a high quality of life.
Following a cancer diagnosis, many patients view food and diet selection as a way to remain in control of what they put into their bodies. Regardless of the diet, maintaining adequate nutrition while undergoing weekly treatments is imperative, and helps patients reduce treatment-induced side effects, avoid delays secondary to complications in treatment, and sustain a high quality of life.
To learn about diets, some patients are likely to explore the internet and dissect various sources of information for dietary approaches to manage cancer risk and maximize favorable outcomes. Some believe certain special diets and nutritional supplements are essential to enhancing their drug regimens, decreasing treatment-associated toxicities, and curing the disease itself.
Unfortunately, much of this information, along with “expert opinions,” is not supported by clinical evidence and provided by reputable sources. In this series, we will highlight the truths in diets and debunk the myths unsupported by evidence.
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