Nutrition and Cancer Survivorship

Myths, Facts and Conspiracies

100

Myth or Fact: Carbohydrates cause inflammation, so cancer survivors should avoid bread and pasta and rice, even if they are whole grain

Myth! 

Intact whole grains are heavily anti-inflammatory and form the foundational base of the Mediterranean food pyramid

200

To get the cancer-protective benefits of a Mediterranean diet, do I need to buy fresh, imported European ingredients like artichokes, fresh figs, sun dried tomato and specialty greens?

No - The core of the Mediterranean diet is eating a high volume and variety of minimally processed plant foods. 

400

Can industrial seed oils (such as canola, sunflower, soybean oil) can increase risk of cancer recurrence 

Not true. The two main reasons people have concerns are because of inflammation and oxidation during processing which occurs when completing tests on seed oils, but not in the human body. 

The true link between seed oils and health risks isn't the oil itself, but the types of foods they are found in: ultra-processed, energy-dense foods (such as deep-fried takeaway foods, commercial biscuits, potato chips, and pre-packaged pastries).  

Meats

100

I should avoid meat altogether 

Not quite - some meats are helpful in meeting nutritional requirements 

200

A carnivore diet is beneficial in building me up after treatment 

False 

400

If a cut of meat is lean, it doesn't matter how it is cooked

How you cook your meat matters just as much as the type of meat.

Avoid: Charring, burning, or cooking meat at very high temperatures over an open flame 

Try:

• Marinating meat first in lemon juice, olive oil, or herbs (which creates a protective barrier).
• Flipping meat frequently and cutting away any charred or blackened pieces before eating.

Plant Foods

100

Can I actually get protein from plant foods like legumes?

Legumes can be used as a primary protein source. 

They provide the amino acids needed for tissue repair while delivering high amounts of soluble fiber. This fiber feeds beneficial gut microbes, which produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that help regulate the immune system and lower inflammation.

200

How many different types of plant foods should I be having each week? Up to 10, ideally 20 or more than 30? 

More than 30

400

Organic produce is clinically proven to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence compared to conventionally grown Australian produce

Peer-reviewed evidence highlighted in the CanEAT Survivorship resources shows that eating enough vegetables and fruit (aiming for the Australian 5-and-2 standard) is what provides protection, regardless of whether it is organic or conventional. Thorough washing is sufficient.