Miriam Mutebi: “Can food cure cancer?”
Miriam Mutebi posted on LinkedIn:
“When it comes to cancer and nutrition, one of the most common questions patients ask is, ‘Can food cure cancer?’
Unfortunately, the answer is no. While no single food or diet can cure cancer, nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting your overall health and well-being during treatment.
Cancer treatment can be taxing on the body, often leading to side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and more. These side effects can make it challenging to maintain the proper nutrition needed to stay strong and manage treatment. However, this is not the time to deprive yourself or follow restrictive food fads. Instead, a balanced and nutritious diet, guided by your healthcare team, is essential.
There is certainly a lot of misinformation on cancer and diet. For example, some believe an alkaline diet or a combination of various traditional herbs can cure cancer, but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. On the other hand, restrictive diets that eliminate entire food groups may deprive your body of essential nutrients, potentially weakening your ability to tolerate treatments.
Different types of cancer may require different nutritional needs. For instance, some patients may need extra protein to help rebuild tissues, while others may benefit from small, frequent meals throughout the day to manage nausea. For those who cannot eat normally due to the nature or advancement of their cancer, a holistic cancer care nutritional plan might include supplemental feeding through tubes (enteral feeding) or intravenous methods (parenteral feeding).
The bottom line is that most people with cancer can and should aim to eat a regular, balanced diet, as long as it’s not in excess. For example, if it’s your birthday, go ahead and have that slice of cake.
There’s a wealth of locally available foods that we need to take advantage of and integrate as part of a balanced and nutritious diet plan. Discuss your nutritional needs with your healthcare team to develop a plan tailored to your specific type of cancer. At AORTIC- Africa we advocate for the mainstreaming of nutritional support and services into cancer care.
Maintaining a healthy diet not only supports cancer treatment but reduces the risk of other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. A balanced diet combined with regular exercise can help manage your weight, stay strong, and reduce risk of developing other health issues.
In conclusion, diet alone cannot treat or cure cancer, but it’s a vital part of a comprehensive cancer care plan. The key is to focus on a balanced, nutritious plan, guided by your healthcare team, qualified dietitian, or healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice based on your unique needs.
Remember, it’s about adding life to your days, not just days to your life.”
Miriam Mutebi is a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. She is also the Vice-President of East Africa of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), treasurer for the Kenya Society of Hematology and Oncology (KESHO) and on the Board of Directors of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). She is the co-founder of the Pan African Women’s Association of Surgeons and is part of the Kenya Association of Women Surgeons. She is an avid supporter for the education and support for women, especially in surgery and she aims to provide mentorship for women in surgery and to improve women’s health and surgical care in Africa. She is currently pursuing a pilot’s license in order to extend breast care services to marginalized areas.