Though no diet has been proven to cure cancer, studies suggest that simple lifestyle changes and healthy diet may prevent 30–50% of all cancers. There is growing evidence that certain dietary habits decrease cancer risk.

What’s more, good nutrition plays a positive impact in treating and coping with cancer. While cancer treatment involves a multidisciplinary care, poor nutritional status can impact the length of hospital stays, treatment complications, and mortality rates. Nutrition and dietary interventions by a registered dietitian may help patients attain good nutritional status and can assist with symptom management associated with cancer treatments (increasing tolerance) and decrease possible side effects, such as malnutrition, poor appetite, and weight loss.

In the past few decades, therapeutic treatments have evolved considerably, focusing on the individual needs of the patients rather than cancer itself. This holistic approach encompasses all factors, supporting millions of people living with cancer to prolong their lives and preserve quality of life. Patients are encouraged to have healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising, getting enough sleep, not smoking, managing stress and eating a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet to support optimal health outcomes.

Good nutritional status and dietary interventions can help patients better tolerate cancer treatments and assist with symptom management.