Cancer is an assortment of diseases
characterized by the abnormal cell growth that can spread and destroy other
organs and body tissues.
It is a result of complex mix of
factors related to heredity, diet, physical inactivity and prolonged,
continuous exposure to certain chemicals and other substances.
According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 7.4
million deaths, or around 13 percent of all deaths, in 2004.
In the Philippines
Total death attributed to cancer is
366,931 according to the Philippine Health Statistics in 2000.
The goal of nutritional management of
cancer is to obtain enough proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals
and fluids for rebuilding the body tissues and promoting a sense of well-being
during treatment.
Berries like strawberry, flax seed,
garlic, grape and grape juice, green tea, tomato and whole grains are foods
that fight cancer, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research
(AICR).
Guyabano
has a promising
impact on cancer patients for it was found 10,000 times more effective than
chemotherapy.
A low-fat or high-fat diet wouldn’t
really matter as long as the patient obtains adequate amounts of calories.
It is more favorable to use
mono-unsaturated fatty acids and omega-3 dietary fats than saturated fats, and
fish oils with megestrol acetate (or Megace).
The Food and Nutrition Research
Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (or FNRI-DOST) developed
the “Dietary Guidelines for the Prevention of Cancer”, a booklet on the role of
dietary factors which affect the risk of getting certain forms of cancer.
Five simple guidelines are in the
booklet, namely, (1) increase consumption of green leafy and yellow vegetables,
fruits and unrefined cereals, (2) eat fat and fatty foods in moderation, (3)
limit consumption of smoked, charcoal-boiled, salt-cured and salt-pickled
foods, (4) avoid mouldy foods, and (5) drink alcoholic beverages in moderation
and (6) stop smoking.
The FNRI-DOST is also presently
conducting a study of dietary fiber which may help prevent certain diseases
including colon cancer.
Death is inevitable and cancer sees no
exception from its irreversible effects.
However with cautious eating, correct
mindset, love and support, and a huge grasp of faith, there is a lot to hope
for for cancer patients.
For more information on food and
nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition
Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City;
trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press
Release – JUND RIAN A. DORINGO)
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