New Recommendations Guide Nutrition and Exercise Choices for Cancer Survivors

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Cancer survivors are often highly motivated to seek information about food choices, physical activity, dietary supplement use, and complementary nutritional therapies to improve their treatment outcomes, quality of life, and survival. <br /><br />To address these concerns, the American Cancer Society (ACS) convened a group of experts in nutrition, physical activity, and cancer to evaluate the scientific evidence and best clinical practices related to optimal nutrition and physical activity after the diagnosis of cancer. <br /><br />This report summarizes their findings and is intended to present health care providers with the best possible information on which to help cancer survivors and their families make informed choices related to nutrition and physical activity. The report discusses nutrition and physical activity issues during the phases of cancer treatment and recovery, living after recovery from treatment, and living with advanced cancer; selected nutritional and physical activity issues such as body weight, food choices, and complementary and alternative nutritional options; and selected issues related to breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, head and neck, and upper gastrointestinal cancers. <br /><br />In addition, handouts containing commonly asked questions and answers and a resource list are provided for survivors and families. Tables that grade the scientific evidence for benefit versus harm related to nutrition and physical activity for breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancers are also included.

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

from section on Head and Neck Cancers

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The research on prevention of head and neck and esophageal cancers suggests the importance of diets that emphasize vegetable and fruit intake. After the diagnosis of these cancers, however, little is known regarding whether such dietary patterns or other dietary or physical activity factors may affect prognosis.

Studies on the etiology of head and neck cancers suggest that vegetable and fruit intake may be associated with decreased risk for these cancers, but few studies have considered whether these dietary factors or physical activity influence prognosis in survivors with these cancers. A clinical trial of the effects of a beta-carotene supplement (versus placebo) among survivors with head and neck cancers found that those receiving beta-carotene had no changes in cancer recurrence rates.

Persons with esophageal cancer may have symptoms that compromise food and nutrient intake and absorption, and the effects of treatment may result in long-term nutritional complications. A common problem in survivors with esophageal cancer is reflux. Eating a high-protein, low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet helps increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Chocolate, fat, alcohol, coffee, spearmint, peppermint, garlic, and onion may decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure and should be avoided. Acidic foods, such as tomato-based products and orange juice, may cause irritation.

Head and neck cancers can directly compromise food intake. Comprehensive care of these survivors includes appropriate nutritional assessment and support and physical activity and physical therapy to improve overall health before, during, and after treatment. Poor nutrient intake can stem from difficulties in biting, chewing, and swallowing that follow surgery and from dry mouth, mucositis, and taste alterations resulting from radiation therapy. During and after treatment, the texture, temperature, consistency, nutrient content, and frequency of oral feedings may need to be changed. Acidic, salty, spicy, and very hot or cold foods may not be well tolerated. Sugar-free gums and mints and the use of oral rinses and gels may provide limited relief of symptoms and enhance appetite. Liquid, pureed, or juiced foods may be better tolerated during treatment and recovery. Health care providers may offer alternate forms of feeding if eating and drinking by mouth cannot support nutritional needs.

In the absence of more definitive information, survivors of head and neck cancers should strive to follow the ACS nutrition and physical activity guidelines for the prevention of cancer. Because food intake can be compromised due to the effects of disease or therapy, consultation with a registered dietitian for individualized recommendations is recommended.

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at this time going on my 7th year of cancer free i seeem to have some many problems my right jaw bone had to be repaced in2003 i was in the hospital and now scar tissue has effected my swollowing i was dilated a week ago i am only a 44 a chids size an adult is something like 60 i am in physicial rehab working on my speach and having vital stem treatments that is supposed to help with my swollowing now my teeth whech were put on 4 years ago have become unattached to my real teeeth that are ground down nubs , they thought i would be getting implants the teeth were good only for 2 years its hard keeping them in although i use the fix a dent stuff it does not hold that well , i've been though so much that i am seeing a therpist who is treating me for post tramatic strss , there needs to be a book for people like me who can chew or wollow very good ,i am supposed to stay away from anything that can stick to a spoon like puddings ect.. becuse of my last surgery a nerve was damaged and the right side of my tongue is partially paralyzdso its hard getting the food to go down right i have to be carefull so it wil not go into my wind pipe or i could choke, anyone out there that can help, also i can not find a dr. who will fix my teeth my moth opening is very small i can only put my little finger in ,i can do excerize until my teeth are fixed so i can open wider, ever time i use the tongue depressors to help make my opening larger the temps(teeth) fall out.

from humming bird, my spelling is a mess ,sorry aabaout that hope everyone can make out the words ok i am starting to type llike my speach ,which i am also in therapy for