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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 December 2021) | Viewed by 60162

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Vasiliki Benetou

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Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 115 27 Athens, Greece
Interests: chronic disease epidemiology; cancer epidemiology; nutritional epidemiology; preventive medicine; public health nutrition across the lifespan
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worlwide with a tremendous burden for the individual and the society. Although primary prevention is an absolute priority, it becomes increasingly important to focus more on cancer survivors. Currently, more people are living with and surviving from cancer than ever before, partly due to positive developments, such as earlier detection and/or better treatment for several cancer types.

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer prevention, and currenly, evidence-based dietary recommendations exist that, if implemented, can lower cancer risk. Nevertheless, evidence on the role of nutrition after cancer is limited. Cancer survivors are advised to follow, unless otherwise told, the dietary recommendations that apply for cancer prevention after the acute stage of treatment.

The objective of this Special Issue on “Nutrition for Cancer Survivors” is to elucidate the association of nutrition and other nutrition-related factors (e.g., body weight), with a focus on the post-diagnosis period and after cancer treatment, with cancer risk and recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, overall survival, and other health-related oucomes, among cancer survivors. The optimal goal is to contribute in the development of evidence-based dietary recommendations for cancer tailored specifically for cancer survivors and to promote the health and well-being of this growing population.

Dr. Vassiliki Benetou
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Cancer survivors
Diet
Nutrition
Food intake
Dietary patterns
Food groups
Nutrients
Survival
Prognosis
Cancer

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 200 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nutrition for Cancer Survivors

by Vassiliki Benetou

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4093; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194093 - 1 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with tremendous burden for the individual and the society [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

Research

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16 pages, 561 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrition Practices among Adult Cancer Survivors Living on the Island of Ireland: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Niamh O'Callaghan, Pauline Douglas and Laura Keaver

Nutrients 2022, 14(4), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040767 - 11 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3302

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the nutrition practices among post-treatment cancer survivors across Ireland. Cancer survivors aged 18+ years living across Ireland, who were not palliative and had completed active cancer treatment at least six months previous, were recruited to complete an online survey assessing dietary quality, food choice and satisfaction with food-related life as well as clinical and nutrition status. It was circulated by cancer support networks and on social media. Descriptive statistics are presented. The cohort (n = 170) was predominantly female (85.9%) and had breast cancer (64.7%). Mean age was 51.5 ± 10.9 years and 42.7% of the cohort were >five years post-treatment. Only 20% and 12% of the cohort had been assessed by a dietitian during and post-treatment, respectively. The mean dietary quality score was 10.3 ± 1.7, which was measured by the Leeds short-form food frequency questionnaire (SFFFQ). Using a 5-point Likert scale, the median satisfaction with food-related life score was 19 (3.3), which evaluates cognitive judgements on the person’s food-related life. The food choice questionnaire (FCQ) assesses the relative importance of a range of factors related to dietary choice to individuals. The primary determinant of food choice in this cohort was the natural content (31.7%) followed by health (24.7%). Vitamin and mineral supplement use was reported by 69.8% of the cohort; the most consumed was Vitamin D. Four themes emerged from an optional open-ended question: awareness of nutritional importance; desire for specific nutritional advice and dietetic referral; cancer and treatment nutrition impacts were highlighted; as well as struggles with weight gain. This research provides useful insight into the nutrition practices of Irish cancer survivors. A desire and need for individualised and specific advice are evident. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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12 pages, 1074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Status Predicts Fatty Acid Uptake from Fish and Soybean Oil Supplements for Treatment of Cancer-Related Fatigue: Results from a Phase II Nationwide Study

by Amber S. Kleckner, Eva Culakova, Ian R. Kleckner, Elizabeth K. Belcher, Wendy Demark-Wahnefried, Elizabeth A. Parker, Gilbert D. A. Padula, Mary Ontko, Michelle C. Janelsins, Karen M. Mustian and Luke J. Peppone

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010184 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3338

Abstract

Cancer-related fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating condition that persists for years into survivorship. Studies evaluating both fish oil supplementation on fatigue and associations between fish oil consumption and fatigue have shown mixed effects; it is unknown what factors contribute to these differential effects. Herein, we investigate whether the nutritional status of cancer survivors was associated with serum omega-3 concentration or change in serum omega-3s throughout a fish oil supplementation study, and then if any of these factors were associated with fatigue. Breast cancer survivors 4–36 months post-treatment with moderate-severe fatigue were randomized to take 6 g fish oil, 6 g soybean oil, or 3 g of each daily for 6 weeks. Baseline nutritional status was calculated using the Controlling Nutritional Status tool (serum albumin, lymphocytes, cholesterol). At baseline and post-intervention, serum fatty acids were quantified and fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Participants (n = 85) were 61.2 ± 9.7 years old with a body mass index of 31.9 ± 6.7 kg/m²; 69% had a good nutritional score and 31% had light-moderate malnutrition. Those with good nutritional status had greater total serum omega-3s at baseline (p = 0.013) and a greater increase in serum omega-3s with supplementation (p = 0.003). Among those who were supplemented with fish oil, greater increases in serum omega-3s were associated with greater improvements in fatigue. In conclusion, good nutritional status may increase uptake of fatty acid supplements, increasing their ability to improve fatigue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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22 pages, 770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

‘Food for Thought’—The Relationship between Diet and Cognition in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study

by Daniel G. Coro, Amanda D. Hutchinson, Kathryn A. Dyer, Siobhan Banks, Bogda Koczwara, Nadia Corsini, Agnes Vitry and Alison M. Coates

Nutrients 2022, 14(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010071 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3004

Abstract

Survivors of cancer frequently experience persistent and troublesome cognitive changes. Little is known about the role diet and nutrition plays in survivors’ cognition. We explored the feasibility of collecting cross-sectional online data from Australian survivors of breast and colorectal cancer to enable preliminary investigations of the relationships between cognition with fruit and vegetable intake, and the Omega-3 Index (a biomarker of long chain omega 3 fatty acid intake). A total of 76 participants completed online (and postal Omega-3 Index biomarker) data collection (62 breast and 14 colorectal cancer survivors): mean age 57.5 (±10.2) years, mean time since diagnosis 32.6 (±15.6) months. Almost all of the feasibility outcomes were met; however, technical difficulties were reported for online cognitive testing. In hierarchical linear regression models, none of the dietary variables of interest were significant predictors of self-reported or objective cognition. Age, BMI, and length of treatment predicted some of the cognitive outcomes. We demonstrated a viable online/postal data collection method, with participants reporting positive levels of engagement and satisfaction. Fruit, vegetable, and omega-3 intake were not significant predictors of cognition in this sample, however the role of BMI in survivors′ cognitive functioning should be further investigated. Future research could adapt this protocol to longitudinally monitor diet and cognition to assess the impact of diet on subsequent cognitive function, and whether cognitive changes impact dietary habits in survivors of cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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13 pages, 507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Independent and Joint Impacts of Acid-Producing Diets and Depression on Physical Health among Breast Cancer Survivors

by K. Daniel Tessou, Hector Lemus, Fang-Chi Hsu, John Pierce, Suzi Hong, Lauren Brown and Tianying Wu

Nutrients 2021, 13(7), 2422; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072422 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2747

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the independent and joint associations of acid-producing diets and depressive symptoms with physical health among breast cancer survivors. We studied a cohort of 2944 early stage breast cancer survivors who provided dietary, physical health, demographic, and lifestyle information at baseline, year 1, and year 4. We assessed the intakes of acid-producing diets via two commonly used dietary acid load scores: potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Physical health was measured using the Rand 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), consisting of physical functioning, role limitation due to physical function, bodily pain, general health, and overall physical health subscales. Increased dietary acid load and depression were each independently and significantly associated with reduced physical health subscales and overall physical health. Further, dietary acid load and depression were jointly associated with worse physical health. For instance, depressed women with dietary acid load higher than median reported 2.75 times the risk (odds ratio = 2.75; 95% confidence interval: 2.18–3.47) of reduced physical function and 3.10 times the risk of poor physical health (odds ratio = 3.10; 95% confidence interval: 2.53–3.80) compared to non-depressed women with dietary acid load lower than median. Our results highlight the need of controlling acid-producing diets and the access of mental care for breast cancer survivors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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19 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breast Cancer Survivors Undergoing Endocrine Therapy Have a Worrying Risk Factor Profile for Cardiovascular Diseases

by Fernanda S. Mazzutti, Isis D. D. Custódio, Mariana T. M. Lima, Kamila P. de Carvalho, Taísa S. S. Pereira, Maria del C. B. Molina, Paula P. L. Canto, Carlos E. Paiva and Yara C. de P. Maia

Nutrients 2021, 13(4), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13041114 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

The increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in breast cancer survivors has been widely discussed in the literature and occurs due to the cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic treatments, and also to the common risk factors between these diseases. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate, prospectively, the number of risk factors (NRF) for CVDs in women during endocrine therapy, and to associate the NRF with C reactive protein (CRP) and phase angle (PhA). The following risk factors for CVD were evaluated at three times: anthracycline chemotherapy, radiotherapy, comorbidities, inadequate diet, overweight, abdominal adiposity, alcoholism, smoking, physical inactivity and altered lipid profile. There was inadequacy in the most components of the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index—Revised and inadequate consumption of various types of fats and fibers. Most women in this study presented excessive abdominal fat and overweight, but these parameters have not changed over time (p < 0.005). Moreover, a high frequency of systemic arterial hypertension and physical inactivity was observed. The average NRF for CVDs was above ten, at the three evaluation times. Women with higher NRF had higher levels of CRP (p = 0.003), a predictor of cardiovascular risk, however, there was no significance with PhA (p = 0.256). Thus, intervention is needed to improve lifestyle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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14 pages, 1637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Nutrition into Outpatient Oncology Care—A Pilot Trial of the NutriCare Program

by Laura Keaver, Ioanna Yiannakou and Fang Fang Zhang

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113590 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3209

Abstract

Nutrition is an essential part of oncology care; however, nutrition advice and guidance are not always provided. This six-week pilot pretest-posttest intervention was designed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating a nutrition education program (NutriCare) into outpatient oncology care. Twenty breast cancer survivors were recruited through Tufts Medical Centre. Nutrition impact symptoms and demographics were collected at baseline, dietary quality and quality of life measures were collected pre and post-intervention and an evaluation form was completed post-intervention. Forty-four percent of eligible participants were recruited, and 90% of those completed the study. The NutriCare program was well received with participants reporting that goals were feasible (94.4%), the program had a positive impact on their diet (77.8%), and over 80% would recommend the program. There was an interest in continuing with the program (89%) and in receiving additional guidance from the healthcare team (83%). There was a significant improvement (p = 0.04) in physical function over the six weeks; however, no additional significant differences in quality of life or dietary quality were seen. In conclusion, cancer survivors were positive about the NutriCare program and its integration into practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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19 pages, 2121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overweight Women with Breast Cancer on Chemotherapy Have More Unfavorable Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Profiles

by Letícia L. D. Santos, Isis D. D. Custódio, Alinne T. F. Silva, Izabella C. C. Ferreira, Eduarda C. Marinho, Douglas C. Caixeta, Adriele V. Souza, Renata R. Teixeira, Thaise G. Araújo, Nitin Shivappa, James R. Hébert, Carlos Eduardo Paiva, Foued S. Espíndola, Luiz Ricardo Goulart and Yara C. P. Maia

Nutrients 2020, 12(11), 3303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113303 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2603

Abstract

Chronic inflammation and redox imbalance are strongly influenced by diet and nutritional status, and both are risk factors for tumor development. This prospective study aimed to explore the associations between inflammatory and antioxidant markers and nutritional status in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. The women were evaluated at three times: T0, after the infusion of the first cycle; T1, after infusion of the intermediate cycle; and T2, after the infusion of the last chemotherapy cycle. The consumption of antioxidant nutrients and the Total Dietary Antioxidant Capacity reduced between T0 and T2 and the Dietary Inflammatory Index scores increased throughout the chemotherapy. Blood samples taken at the end of the chemotherapy showed lower levels of glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione, with greater quantification of the transcripts for Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor α. It should be emphasized that the Total Dietary Antioxidant Capacity is lower and the Dietary Inflammatory Index is higher in the group of overweight patients at the end of the follow-up, besides showing lower levels of the redox status, especially the plasma levels of glutathione reductase (p = 0.039). In addition, trends towards higher transcriptional levels of cytokines in peripheral blood were observed more often in overweight women than in non-overweight women. In this study of 55 women with breast cancer, nine (16%) with metastases, diet became more pro-inflammatory with fewer antioxidants during the chemotherapy. Briefly, we have shown that chemotherapy is critical for high-risk overweight women due to their reduced intake of antioxidant nutrients, generating greater inflammatory and oxidative stress profiles, suggesting the adoption of healthier dietary practices by women with breast cancer throughout their chemotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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21 pages, 1342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cooking for Vitality: Pilot Study of an Innovative Culinary Nutrition Intervention for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Cancer Survivors

by Cheryl Pritlove, Geremy Capone, Helena Kita, Stephanie Gladman, Manjula Maganti and Jennifer M. Jones

Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092760 - 10 Sep 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5722

Abstract

(1) Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing side effects experienced by patients with cancer during and after treatment, and this negatively impacts all aspects of quality of life. An increasing body of evidence supports the role of poor nutritional status in the etiology of CRF and of specific diets in mitigating CRF. We designed a group-based two session culinary nutrition intervention for CRF, Cooking for Vitality (C4V), aimed at increasing understanding of how food choices can impact energy levels and establishing basic food preparation and cooking skills as well as the application of culinary techniques that minimize the effort/energy required to prepare meals. The purpose of this pilot mixed-method study was to evaluate: Feasibility of the experimental methods and intervention; acceptability and perceived helpfulness of intervention; and to obtain a preliminary estimate of the effectiveness of the intervention on fatigue (primary outcome), energy, overall disability, and confidence to manage fatigue (secondary outcomes). (2) Methods: Prospective, single arm, embedded mixed-methods feasibility study of cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue was conducted. Participants completed measures at baseline (T0), immediately following the intervention (T1), and three months after the last session (T2). Qualitative interviews were conducted at T2. (3) Results: Recruitment (70%) and retention (72%) rates along with qualitative findings support the feasibility of the C4V intervention for cancer survivors living with CRF (program length and frequency, ease of implementation, and program flexibility). Acceptability was also high and participants provided useful feedback for program improvements. Fatigue (FACT-F) scores significantly improved from T0–T1 and T0–T2 (p < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in disability scores (WHO-DAS 2.0) from T0–T2 (p = 0.006) and an increase in POMS-Vigor (Profile of Mood States) from T0–T1 (p = 0.018) and T0–T2 (p = 0.013). Confidence in managing fatigue improved significantly from T0–T1 and T0–T2 (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the C4V program was acceptable and helpful to patients and may be effective in improving fatigue levels and self-management skills. A randomized controlled trial is required to confirm these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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26 pages, 10726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Oat Bran Reduces Systemic Inflammation in Mice Subjected to Pelvic Irradiation

by Piyush Patel, Dilip Kumar Malipatlolla, Sravani Devarakonda, Cecilia Bull, Ana Rascón, Margareta Nyman, Andrea Stringer, Valentina Tremaroli, Gunnar Steineck and Fei Sjöberg

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2172; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082172 - 22 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 9148

Abstract

Patients undergoing radiotherapy to treat pelvic-organ cancer are commonly advised to follow a restricted fiber diet. However, reducing dietary fiber may promote gastrointestinal inflammation, eventually leading to deteriorated intestinal health. The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary fiber on radiation-induced inflammation. C57BL/6J male mice were fed a High-oat bran diet (15% fiber) or a No-fiber diet (0% fiber) and were either irradiated (32 Gy delivered in four fractions) to the colorectal region or only sedated (controls). The dietary intervention started at 2 weeks before irradiation and lasted for 1, 6, and 18 weeks after irradiation, at which time points mice were sacrificed and their serum samples were assayed for 23 cytokines and chemokines. Our analyses show that irradiation increased the serum cytokine levels at all the time points analyzed. The No-fiber irradiated mice had significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines than the High-oat irradiated mice at all time points. The results indicate that a fiber-rich oat bran diet reduces the intensity of radiation-induced inflammation, both at an early and late stage. Based on the results, it seems that the advice to follow a low-fiber diet during radiotherapy may increase the risk of decreased intestinal health in cancer survivors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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20 pages, 1309 KiB

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Diet Quality Is Associated with Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Survivors of Childhood Leukemia

by Sophie Bérard, Sophia Morel, Emma Teasdale, Nitin Shivappa, James R. Hebert, Caroline Laverdière, Daniel Sinnett, Emile Levy and Valérie Marcil

Nutrients 2020, 12(7), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12072137 - 18 Jul 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4345

Abstract

There is little information about how diet influences the health of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (cALL) survivors. This study explores the associations between diet quality indices, cardiometabolic health indicators and inflammatory biomarkers among cALL survivors. Participants were part of the PETALE study (n = 241, median age: 21.7 years). Adherence to 6 dietary scores and caloric intake from ultra-processed foods were calculated. Multivariate logistirac regressions, Student t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were performed. We found that 88% of adults and 46% of children adhered poorly to the Mediterranean diet, 36.9% had poor adherence to the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations and 76.3% had a diet to be improved according to the HEI-2015 score. On average, ultra-processed foods accounted for 51% of total energy intake. Low HDL-C was associated with a more inflammatory diet (E-DIITM score) and higher intake of ultra-processed foods. A greater E-DII score was associated with elevated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and consumption of ultra-processed foods was correlated with high triglycerides. Circulating levels of TNF-α, adiponectin and IL-6 were influenced by diet quality indices, while CRP and leptin were not. In conclusion, survivors of cALL have poor adherence to dietary recommendations, adversely affecting their cardiometabolic health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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13 pages, 851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions of Oncology Providers and Cancer Survivors on the Role of Nutrition in Cancer Care and Their Views on the “NutriCare” Program

by Laura Keaver, Ioanna Yiannakou, Sara C. Folta and Fang Fang Zhang

Nutrients 2020, 12(5), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051277 - 30 Apr 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3889

Abstract

Cancer patients and survivors can experience treatment related side effects that impact nutrition status, as well as unwanted weight loss, weight gain and poor dietary quality. Therefore, they are a group that would benefit from nutrition intervention. A qualitative study was conducted online (six focus groups and two interviews) with 12 oncology providers and 12 survivors in the United States. Participants were asked about the role of nutrition in survivors’ health, appropriate components of nutrition care for cancer patients, and strategies to integrate nutrition into oncology care. Feedback on a proposed program, “NutriCare”, was also sought. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes. Four main themes emerged: (1) nutrition is an important component of oncology care and source of empowerment for cancer patients; (2) in the NutriCare program, the prescription pad component was viewed as a critical aspect, and there was also a preference for dealing with patients and survivors separately; (3) for implementation, the most appropriate time for providers to talk to patients about nutrition is during the development of the treatment plan. Reinforcement of key nutrition messages by providers was also highlighted; (4) major barriers included lack of time and motivation by providers. Survivors were interested in and providers supportive of integrating nutrition into oncology care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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Review

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15 pages, 979 KiB

Open AccessReview

Breast Cancer Diet “BCD”: A Review of Healthy Dietary Patterns to Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence and Reduce Mortality

by Edda Cava, Paolo Marzullo, Deborah Farinelli, Alessandra Gennari, Chiara Saggia, Sergio Riso and Flavia Prodam

Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030476 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5431

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) represents the most common cancer in women, while overweight and obesity are the second preventable cause of cancer. Weight gain and fat accumulation are common after BC diagnosis; moreover, weight gain during the treatment decreases the survival rate and increases the risk of recurrence in breast cancer survivors (BCS). To reduce the risk of second primary cancer or BC recurrence, and all-cause mortality in BCS, multiple interventions have been investigated to obtain reduction in weight, BMI and/or waist circumference. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze evidence on BCS for their risk of recurrence or mortality related to increased weight or fat deposition, and the effects of interventions with healthy dietary patterns to achieve a proper weight and to reduce fat-related risk. The primary focus was on dietary patterns instead of single nutrients and supplements, as the purpose was to investigate on secondary prevention in women free from disease at the end of their cancer treatment. In addition, BC relation with insulin resistance, dietary carbohydrate, and glycemic index/glycemic load is discussed. In conclusion, obesity and overweight, low rates of physical activity, and hormone receptor-status are associated with poorer BC-treatment outcomes. To date, there is a lack of evidence to suggest which dietary pattern is the best approach for weight management in BCS. In the future, multimodal lifestyle interventions with dietary, physical activity and psychological support after BC diagnosis should be studied with the aim of reducing the risk of BC recurrence or mortality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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18 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessReview

Understanding the Mechanisms of Diet and Outcomes in Colon, Prostate, and Breast Cancer; Malignant Gliomas; and Cancer Patients on Immunotherapy

by Shivtaj Mann DO, Manreet Sidhu DO and Krisstina Gowin DO

Nutrients 2020, 12(8), 2226; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082226 - 26 Jul 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7173

Abstract

Cancer patients often ask which foods would be best to consume to improve outcomes. This is a difficult question to answer as there are no case-controlled, prospective studies that control for confounding factors. Therefore, a literature review utilizing PubMed was conducted with the goal to find evidence-based support for certain diets in specific cancer patients—specifically, we reviewed data for colon cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, malignant gliomas, and cancer patients on immunotherapy. Improved outcomes in colon cancer and patients on immunotherapy were found with high-fiber diets. Improved outcomes in malignant gliomas were found with ketogenic diets. Improved outcomes in prostate cancer and breast cancer were found with plant-based diets. However, the data are not conclusive for breast cancer. Additionally, the increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids were also associated with better outcomes for prostate cancer. While current research, especially in humans, is minimal, the studies discussed in this review provide the groundwork for future research to further investigate the role of dietary intervention in improving cancer outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition for Cancer Survivors)

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