Childhood Cancer

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Childhood Cancer Survivors

Healthy Diet

The typical American diet contains more meat and processed (already prepared and sealed) foods, but few fruits and vegetables (plant-based foods). Eating a healthier diet can cut your risk of cancer and provide other benefits, such as more energy and lower weight. While genetics and the environment play a role, you control the rest. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other plant-based foods that are low in fat, salt, and sugar is a good general health practice and may even prevent other cancers.

In terms of my diet, I try to eat relatively healthy. I don’t think my diet is overwhelmingly healthy, but I don’t go overboard with junk food either. I think it is important to stay healthy as a cancer survivor.

 

I am an extremely picky eater. I hardly eat any fruits or vegetables, eat very few snack foods, and drink mainly water. I think the pickiness is half from throwing up so much during chemo and half a symptom of my anxiety. I haven’t been diagnosed with ARFID (avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder), but I think my anxiety functions the same way. It’s very embarrassing to be an adult and a picky eater, so I’ve started to see a nutritionist. My issue is that I will actually get sick if I try eating something I don’t like, so I am working with my nutritionist to try and introduce new, healthy food options and find ways to like foods that I have had issues with in the past. I don’t over eat, but I would like to add healthier options to the list of foods.

 

We definitely eat a lot healthier as a result of cancer. We limit our sugar intake and seek out healthy options. Fortunately, Mom is an incredible cook, and we hardly eat any fast food.

A healthy diet includes small portions of meat, fish, poultry, whole eggs (use egg whites or egg substitutes) and dairy products. Most of your meals should be made up of:

  • Fruits and vegetables

  • Whole grains

  • Tubers such as potatoes, turnips, and sweet potatoes

  • Legumes such as peas, beans (especially black beans), and lentils

Cancer prevention is not the only benefit of a healthy diet. Eating an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and grains may protect against stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Fiber from legumes and grains may help keep your cholesterol low and antioxidants contained in plants help prevent cataracts and other eye diseases.

If you are overweight or underweight, consider consulting a nutritionist. Most hospitals have a registered dietitian on staff, or you can ask to meet with one through your healthcare provider or follow-up clinic. If you combine the visit with an appointment in the hospital, your insurance may be more likely to cover the costs. If you are looking for a dietitian on your own, ask about credentials (usually a master’s degree) and experience. Beware of anyone who tries to sell nutritional products during a consultation; you do not always know what is in them, and they may not be safe for you especially if they interfere with other medications you take.

Obesity is a possible late-effect from treatment for childhood cancer. To learn more about this, see Chapter 18, Muscles and Bones.

Healthcare Follow-Up And TestingImportance Of Regular Exercise

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