From the Guidelines
Dietary supplements and specific foods can aid in recovery and increase overall survival in cancer survivors.
Key Findings
- A dietary pattern high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, and fish was found to be associated with reduced mortality compared with a dietary pattern characterized by a high intake of refined grains, processed and red meats, desserts, high-fat dairy products, and French fries in women after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment 1.
- A 43% reduction in overall mortality was observed in a study of breast cancer survivors in association with a dietary pattern characterized by the high intake of vegetables and whole grains 1.
- Breast cancer survivors who reported eating at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day and having weekly physical activity equivalent to 30 minutes of walking for 6 days per week were observed to have a higher survival rate 1.
Recommendations
- Cancer survivors should consume diets that are rich in vegetables and fruit and low in saturated fat and pursue a physically active lifestyle 1.
- A diet characterized by a higher intake of red meat, processed meat, refined grains, and sugary desserts was associated with a statistically significant increase in cancer recurrence and poorer overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer 1.
Guidelines
- The American Cancer Society guideline provides evidence-based, cancer-specific recommendations for anthropometric parameters, physical activity, diet, and alcohol intake for reducing recurrence and cancer-specific and overall mortality 1.
- The guideline is intended to serve as a resource for informing American Cancer Society programs, health policy, and the media, as well as health care providers caring for cancer survivors and their families 1.
From the Research
Dietary Supplements and Cancer Recovery
- The use of dietary supplements is common among cancer survivors, with 20%-80% of individuals reporting their use 2.
- The most commonly used supplements include multivitamins, calcium, and vitamin D, with users citing reasons such as improving quality of life and reducing symptoms related to treatment or disease 2, 3.
- However, the evidence surrounding the benefits of dietary supplements for cancer recovery is uncertain, with some studies suggesting potential anticancer effects of certain compounds like curcumin, green tea extracts, and omega-3 fatty acids 4.
Specific Foods and Nutrients
- A healthy dietary pattern, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, is associated with reduced risk of primary or second cancers and improved health-related quality of life 4, 3.
- Some studies suggest that specific nutrients, such as melatonin, may have potential benefits for cancer survivors, but more research is needed to confirm these findings 4.
- The use of beta carotene and vitamin E supplements is not recommended for cancer prevention due to potential harms, while the evidence for multivitamin supplements is insufficient to determine benefits or harms 5.
Prevalence and Correlates of Supplement Use
- The prevalence of dietary supplement use among cancer survivors varies widely, with estimates ranging from 20%-80% 2, 6.
- Female gender and higher education levels are associated with increased supplement use, while common reasons for use include boosting the immune system and doing something to help oneself 6.
- Most cancer survivors inform their physicians of their supplement use, highlighting the importance of clinician-patient discussions about dietary supplements 6.