Diet and Cancer Web Chat Transcript

13 minute read time.

Here's the transcript of our 24th June web chat with dietitian Helen Kennedy for those of you who missed it. Helen was answering questions on the best foods for cancer prevention and what to eat following treatment for cancer. If you have any questions then please comment below and Helen will try to get back to you.

Helen will be doing another webchat soon, so we'll keep you updated and hope to see you there.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q:  What’s your opinion about eating BBQ-ed food? I have also read that meat in general is a carcinogen? 
 
helenkennedy    The advice on cooking meats is now to avoid all chargrilled or BBQ meats due to the chemicals (heterocyclic amines) caused by burning. These have been shown to be carcinogenic and particularly harmful, increasing the risk of bowel cancer.  

Regarding red meat the guidance is to try and reduce the amount of red meat we eat to less than 500g per week . We know that red meat contains haem which can damage cells in the bowel and causes bacteria in the gut to produce harmful nitroso compounds. Eating too much red meat  can therefore increase the risk of bowel cancer. It’s a good idea to try and eat more white meat and fish is known to protective , so try and eat at least two portions per week.

 Also the idea of eating more plant based foods is a good one - meals based around pulses and whole grains tend to be lower in fat and higher in fibre and therefore cancer protective.

Q:  I'm a bit confused, in the Macmillan booklet on diet, it talks about a diet with plenty of milk, cream, and thickly spread butter, but many people seem to promote a dairy free diet and no red meat?

helenkennedy    This dietary advice is for those people who are undergoing treatment and is therefore  different to the advice given to those people who have finished  cancer treatments. Whilst undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy many people need to increase their nutritional intakes and especially their calorie intakes to ensure they don’t lose  too much weight. Increasing the intake of milk and milk products is one ay of achieving this. We wouldn’t suggest that anyone follows a dairy free diet as this would reduce calcium intakes. I hope this helps. 
 
Q:  My partner has oesophageal cancer and is only able to drink hi calorie drink such as Fresubin & Calogen plus fruit juice, etc. They only appear to come in sweet varieties. Have you any suggestions for hi cal drinks with a savoury flavour?

helenkennedy    There is a limited number of savoury supplements - a lot of them are sweet I'm afraid - have you tried the Build-up soups? They may be useful. 

Q: I have cervical cancer and am just about to start chemoradiation. They mentioned that I could have trouble with my bowels and am wondering if there are certain foods I should avoid?
  
helenkennedy 
   Whilst you're having chemo you may well have problems with your bowels- there aren't any specific foods to avoid but it's important to try and maintain your food intake and weight. If you have any specific problems ask to see the dietitian at your centre.
     
Q: When someone is going through chemo or radiotherapy, should they be increasing their proteins?  

helenkennedy     Whilst undergoing treatment it's important to maintain your dietary intake and weight. Eating a balanced diet with protein is important. If you feel that you're intake isn't sufficient there are ways in which it can be helped. Monitor your weight and if it drops off ask to see the dietitian.

Q: I have a follow up secondary question then please. The idea of a dairy free diet seems controversial; some people swear by it, others say there is no proof. What about the theory of a little of what you fancy does you more psychological good than the physical harm? 
         
helenkennedy    Dairy free diets have been promoted in the past as being helpful particularly for breast cancer. There isn't any real evidence in this and it can be harmful to avoid dairy foods and reduce your calcium intake as osteoporosis can be a problem in the longer term after treatment.  

Q:  I have been recommended a more alkaline based diet and taking Swedish bitters twice a day to help my liver. Apparently it slows down the digestive system, helps cleanse the liver and gets everything flowing smoothly, so to speak. Tastes disgusting though! Do you promote more bitter food in our diets?  
   
helenkennedy 
I haven't heard about taking Swedish bitters, I’m afraid.

Q:  I put on about a stone comfort eating during radiotherapy.  Any idea how I can lose it without getting depressed again?  


Q: on similar theme: I have put on weight following two different lots of chemo, radiotherapy and now continual Herceptin.  What is the best way to lose weight especially given that I have very little energy and have now developed a sweet tooth?

helenkennedy  
  Weight gain is a common side effect - it's important to eat a healthy balanced diet (low in fat and sugar) and take some regular physical exercise - 30 mins per day is recommended. You may need to check your portions as well. Many people seem to be wanting the same information about what to do with weight gain - it's really down to watching your fat intake (try and avoid processed foods that are high in fat) and avoiding sugary and sweet foods. Exercise, on a regular basis as I've mentioned is important.

Q: Can you recommend any exercises for the overweight please? And what foods are particularly good - for example, dried mangos are sweet but nutritious - so give you the sugar hit without the badness? Is that true?  
     
helenkennedy    All dried fruit is part of your 5 a day - so any will do, raisins, apricots etc - they are high in fibre and antioxidants. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and a little bit of what you fancy does you good!  

Q: Does anyone use ‘miracle mineral supplements?’ I realise there are lots of claims out there I’m just trying to make my diet palatable. I have a brain tumour and am trying to raise my ph levels through diet, however, I am so bored with green leafy vegetables. Do you have any ideas on what else I can eat to help raise my ph levels?

helenkennedy 
    The message about supplements i.e. vitamin and mineral supplements is that they are not needed if you eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables - this idea of a rainbow diet. Try and include more than 5 a day if you can, not just green leafy veg. The message with 5 a day is to make sure that you eat at least 5 portions of different fruit and vegetables each day - ( a portion fits roughly in your hand as a guide). This ensures that you meet your vitamin/ mineral and fibre intakes.

Q:  I have prostate cancer so chemo / radio is not the prime treatment, its hormone treatment  - so is there specific advice for those of us in that boat?
     
helenkennedy If you're having hormone treatment  the dietary advice is the same. There is some specific advice about the importance of lycopene in tomatoes - cooked tomatoes are especially good, try and include them a couple of times each week.
  
Q: Helen, one problem we've found with our daughter regarding food is that she won't eat it if it doesn't taste “like it used to” (everything tastes like metal now). Any recommendations which food will still taste like food? The only things we've found are lemon sweets, and they're not exactly nutritious!  

helenkennedy     Foods do taste different and the metallic taste is a particular problem. Try and include a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables and wholegrain foods. Lemon sweets are ok but remember good dental hygiene as they are sugary. More highly spiced/ seasoned foods might help.  

Q: I’m confused, some people find chemo and radiation makes you put weight on, and others it seems like you lose a lot of weight. Is there any way I can predict what will happen to me?

helenkennedy   
It's different for everyone depending on the type of treatment and duration and individual metabolism. It’s difficult to predict, but we can help either way. It’s very important for health and well being that you try and maintain a healthy eight either way.
     
Q:  Something I've wondered is what types of cancers are linked to eating too much salt? We hear about how bad too much salt is for us, but I'm not exactly sure what it can develop into...  

helenkennedy  
   About 3/4 of the salt we eat in food comes from processed foods. We eat twice as much salt in the UK as we need and should aim to reduce our intakes to 6g per day.  High salt intakes have been linked to stomach cancer

Q: Do taste buds go back to normal after chemo and how long does it take?  I have completely gone off dairy and seem to only want raw food.  
     
helenkennedy     Taste changes can take a while to return - up to 6 months. Try to ensure you still manage a wide range of  fresh foods, and a balance of dairy, fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and protein containing foods to boost nutritional intake.

Q:
  My mum has cancer and she has no appetite at all, she's hardly eating anything. She hates the build up milkshakes and soups and she doesn't fancy any food at all and it’s a real struggle. Any advice please?  

helenkennedy   Has your Mum seen a dietitian? It sounds as if she needs a dietary assessment and some advice on improving her intake. Little and often is good - and plenty of high calorie snacks. If she is not liking the Build up shakes there are lots of other supplements to try- Speak to the Doctor at your next appointment and ask to see the dietitian .

Q: What sort of link is there between gluten and cancer? And is it only relevant if we're allergic to gluten?
     
helenkennedy     There isn't a link between gluten and cancer as such. If you are sensitive then you will need special advice to ensure you are eliminating all sources from your diet. 

Q: I have a question in regards to building up a strong immune system again: is it true that caffeinated drinks can lower your immune system? I would also like to know, what foods can I eat to try and boost my immune system during chemo/radiation?  

helenkennedy     Building a strong immune system is more about making sure your diet is rich in antioxidants - take a wide variety of wholegrain foods and fruits and vegetables to boost it. Caffeine doesn't have a positive effect.

Q:  Could I ask - does Helen have any recommendations to help with menopausal symptoms - particularly mood problems, aches and pains and concern about bone density?  In the context of a surgically induced menopause.
 
helenkennedy  
   In terms of menopausal symptoms, make sure you're taking a well balanced diet - your 5 a day and eating regularly to maintain your blood glucose.There has been some suggestions that phytochemicals in foods  called phytooestrogens (found in soya and soya products like milk) have a positive effect. Make sure that you take cows milk and dairy products as well.

Q: Are there any foods/diet changes that can help prevent cancer? 
 
helenkennedy     There is good evidence that some foods and food groups are cancer protective. Being a healthy weight is also important and can reduce the risk of breast, colorectal and other cancers. Physical activity has been shown to be protective especially against bowel cancer. The main messages are around cutting down red meat, avoiding processed meat, eating more whole grains and not to forget the 5 a day! 
     
Q: I was wondering what your thoughts are on alcohol intake - what's a safe level? Are there any links to specific cancers, and are there any 'safe' options?  

helenkennedy    High alcohol intakes have been linked to a range of cancers including those of the mouth, head and neck. Alcohol is also very high in calories which a lot of people are unaware of and can contribute to weight gain e.g. each pint of lager or beer has the equivalent calories to a burger (250 Kcals) and each glass of wine equivalent to a slice of cake (150Kcal.) The advice is to limit our alcohol intake to 2 units per day for men and 1 per day for women.
       
Q: Going back to dairy products, I have breast cancer which is not hormone related and my GP suggested organic dairy as being better - is organic any better than normal dairy?  

helenkennedy
    Organic foods have not been shown to be any more beneficial than ordinary foods- it's really personal choice! There isn't any evidence that dairy foods are harmful for breast cancer- make sure you still include them for the all important calcium.
  
Q: What is your view on aspartame and other artificial sweeteners/ sugar replacements?

helenkennedy
     We advise that in order to maintain a healthy weight that people cut down on their intake of sugars and sugary foods. There has been some controversy in the past about sweeteners like aspartame being harmful - but you have to consume enormous amounts and therefore I think they are safe in small quantities.

Q: Is there a way to encourage my hubby not to eat salt and vinegar potato chips?  I thought the problem with chips is that any oil heated to a high degree adds tri-glycerides to the food? Would homemade popcorn be better than crisps?
 
helenkennedy     When food is fried at high temperatures there are chemicals called acrylamides formed which can be harmful. Crisps are also very high in saturated fat and salt - so eat them as a treat and not on a regular basis!  Homemade popcorn would be great  much lower in fat!  

Q: Is the vinegar harmful?  

helenkennedy     Vinegar has no link to cancer at all (but may encourage fish and chip eating!)   
     
Q: I have a question on bacon. I'm addicted to it, is that ok?  

helenkennedy     The advice is now to avoid processed meats (sorry this does include bacon) because the preservatives (chemicals called nitrosamines) are known to carcinogenic and increase the risk of bowel cancer. You can buy turkey ham to grill which is healthier.
  
Q:  Back to the menopausal  question. I have heard that cashews and pumpkin seeds are supposed to be good in regulating symptoms is this true?
  
helenkennedy 
    Seeds are excellent sources of vitamins/ minerals and high in fibre - so try and include them every day. They are excellent for a number of conditions - not especially the menopause but if they help great!

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Rebecca,

    Why couldnt I have know all this before I got my Cancers, It would have saved me a lot of trouble.

    I would be able to talk,taste,and smell. Iam always shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.

    Would you please pass on my thanks to Helen for

    all the hard work she has done in setting up this Post. I Found it very helpful.Thanks.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    great comments Helen - thank you - can you say more on what someone with Endometrial cancer should avoid - thanks

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hello dsmith6,

    Helen will be hosting another web chat soon so you can ask her your question then.

    In the meantime if you need advice then please call our Macmillan Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 0000. Calls are free from within the UK, and lines are open between 9am and 8pm Monday - Friday.

    I hope this helps,

    Rebecca.