Nutrition Services
Optimal Diet Plan for Cancer Survivors
A cancer-fighting diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, Omega-3 rich foods and lean protein sources. Vegetables, fruits, and other plant foods are abundant with antioxidant nutrients. Antioxidants prevent damage to cells from the attack of free radicals. Plant foods also contain phytonutrients, which help the body detoxify and strengthen your immune system.
It's important to strike a healthy balance on your plate at every meal by including:
- 1/2 vegetables
- 1/4 protein
- 1/4 whole grains
An apple a day has always been good advice; adding at least five to ten servings of fruits and vegetables to your diet every day is an even better idea.
What counts as a serving?
One serving equals:
- 1 cup leafy greens, berries or melon chunks
- 1/2 cup for all other fruits and vegetables
- 1 medium fruit or vegetable (ex. apple, orange)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit
- 3/4 cup juice
Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plant-based foods that give plants their rich pigment as well as their distinctive taste and smell. They are essentially the plant's immune system and offer protection to humans as well. There are thousands of phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer as well as provide other health benefits.
The best way to increase your intake of phytonutrients is to eat a variety of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, spices and tea. Supplements are a poor substitute, as these compounds "work together as a team" and provide a more potent protective punch when eaten as whole foods.
Omega-3 fat food sources
Fish
- salmon
- sardines in oil
- pollack
- bluefish
- lake trout
- flounder
- canned tuna
- herring
Other sources
- canola oil
- flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
- wheat germ
- soybean oil
- walnuts
Cancer survivors are often interested in learning about vitamins, herbs, supplements and special diets. Due to the lack of federal regulation of supplements, we encourage you to meet with a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute nutritionist to review your questions before beginning a vitamin or alternative diet regimen.
