Top Foods for Cancer Patients

Foods to include in your diet as a cancer patient:

Cancer patients should eat more fruits and vegetables.

Foods to include in your diet as a cancer patient:

Experts at the Outpatient Pharmacy, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), a member of the SingHealth group, advise patients to eat the right foods before, during and after treatment.

Vegetables

Tomatoes, carrots, peas, pumpkin and turnips for vitamins and fibre
Tomatoes, tomato puree and parsley (especially good for prostate cancer patients)
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage contain plant chemicals that can convert bad oestrogen into good oestrogen, and hence reduce cancer risk as well as the risk of a relapse
Asparagus and Brussel sprouts for their rich antioxidants
Bitter gourd for lowering blood sugar levels
Green leafy vegetables for calcium and iron

Fruits

Oranges provide vitamin C
Bananas, kiwi, peaches, mangoes, pears and strawberries for vitamins and fibre
Avocadoes, guava, apricots, figs, prunes and raisins for energy

Proteins

Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, tauhu and taukwa
Dairy products, nuts, dried beans, dhals and chickpeas
Fish and soy foods (especially good for prostate cancer patients)

Carbohydrates

Rice, noodles, chapatti, wholegrain bread and pasta
Wholegrain crackers, oats, corn, potatoes, beans and dairy products
Honey, consumed in moderation for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which may help in preventing infections

Foods to avoid as a cancer patient

Deep fried, grilled, barbequed, baked meats since subjecting animal protein to high heat creates carcinogenic byproducts called heterocyclic amines
Excessive intake of salt, sugar, and oily foods
Red meat and processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausages
Preserved foods like pickles, jams, kiam chye (salted mustard green), and century eggs as they contain nitrites which are carcinogenic
Minimise alcohol

Additionally, cancer patients should avoid excessive intake of vitamin supplements, as they act as antioxidants and can interfere with chemotherapy when taken in large doses.

Ref: P16

Check out our comprehensive list of cancer articles:

Top 10 Cancers in Singapore (for Men and Women)

Rise of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults

Breast Cancer: What Puts You at Risk

Breast Cancer Screening: Your Best Protection

Tips to Keep Your Breasts Healthy

Prostate Cancer: All You Need to Know

Nose Cancer: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment

Liver Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

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Endometrial Cancer: Risk Factors, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention