Ask a Dietitian
Wash your hands first with soap and water before preparing fruit and vegetables.
Rinse produce BEFORE you peel it so that bacteria is not transferred from the knife into the fruit and vegetable. There is no need to use soap or produce wash to wash the vegetables & fruit.
Source: Colorado State University Extension, Food and Nutrition Series: Food Safety Fact Sheet No. 9.380
Sugar does not directly influence cancer, but it can impact other risk factors for cancer.
Many foods with refined sugar are higher in calories and offer minimal nutritional benefits. An excess of either natural or refined can lead to excess body fat. Obesity, one of the leading risk factors for >12 types of cancer. First step to cut down on refined sugars is to cut down or avoid sugar sweetened beverages. Try using fresh or frozen fruit as a source of sweetness. Reduce sweets choices and reduce intake.
Source: NFCR September 22, 2021
Currently, the keto diet is not recommended for people undergoing cancer treatment. Although early research is exploring whether it might help certain treatments work better, evidence in humans is still limited. The keto diet is restrictive in carbohydrates (which are needed to fuel your brain!) and can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies and side effects. Patients interested in trying it should only do so under close supervision from their oncology team and a registered dietitian. A balanced, plant-based diet (or Mediterranean diet) remains the safest and best-supported approach during cancer care.
Source: Ketogenic Diet and Cancer Treatment – American Institute for Cancer Research %
Intermittent fasting during cancer treatment can be risky and should only be done with guidance from your care team. Fasting may help with blood sugar control and energy balance, but it can also lead to malnutrition or worsen treatment side effects. If you’re considering fasting – whether for health or religious reasons – it is recommended to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure you’re still meeting your daily nutritional needs.
Source: Intermittent fasting and religious fasting during cancer treatment: What to know | MD Anderson Cancer Center
Protein needs are very individual and depends on height, weight, activity and treatment status. Ask your Dietitian about your specific situation to make sure that you are meeting your protein needs each day. Try for 15-20 grams of protein at each meal/snack to have a good starting point. For example, a large egg has 7 grams or a 3 oz portion of cooked chicken breast will provide 25 grams of protein.
Source: ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) guidelines recommend a minimum protein intake of at least 1.0 gram per kilogram of body weight per day. (Nutrients. 2023 Dec 7; 15 (24): 5030.)
When shopping for protein drinks, there are several things to consider in your drink. Depending on if you can tolerate dairy or not, you can easily find milk-based protein as well as plant-based protein drinks. Next, keep in mind the protein content in the drink. Aiming for 30g per serving is essential for muscle repair and recovery during treatment. If you have another condition such as diabetes or lactose intolerance, you may want to consider a drink that is lower in carbohydrates or sugar-free (such as Ensure Max, Premier Protein or Glucerna) or lactose-free (Orgain plant-based protein or Fair-life).
The Mediterranean Diet is a healthy eating lifestyle based on years of studying individuals in the Mediterranean region who have a decreased risk of disease. The Mediterranean Diet includes increasing fresh fruits and vegetables, adding more chicken and fish, low fat dairy, whole grains and using healthy fats such as olive oil. Adequate activity as recommended by your medical team is also part of this healthy lifestyle.
Source: American Institute of Cancer Research, www.aicr.org.
Fluids do not just come from water intake. Teas, juices, and soups can count towards your daily fluid goals. Some examples include electrolyte drinks, protein shakes or smoothies, and even fruits like watermelon or cucumber.
Source: Dehydration and Lack of Fluids | Cancer-related Side Effects | American Cancer Society;
hydration-printable-guide-final2-11-29-21.pdf
Research suggests that exercise, when monitored carefully, can improve sleep, reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Check with your health care team to find what is appropriate for you. Exercise also helps to maintain muscle mass and strength. It may also help to decrease fatigue. If up to it, it is recommended to strive for 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week to meet exercise needs.
Source: American Cancer Society. Physical activity recommendations for cancer survivors. November 12, 2025
Nutritional over-the-counter supplements are products taken by mouth to supplement the diet, containing vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids and other dietary ingredients. They are widely available in retail stores and are used to provide nutrients that may be lacking in a person’s diet. The use of any over the counter supplements containing antioxidants during treatment is not recommended. Antioxidants to avoid in supplements include Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc and Selenium. Fish oil should be avoided as well. Avoid all herbal supplements.
Antioxidants protect cells against damage. The purpose of treatment is to break down cancer cells. High-dose supplements with antioxidants may not only protect healthy cells but also cancer cells from damage. There may be an interaction between antioxidant supplements and radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments. Foods with antioxidants are safe! You do not have to stop eating foods containing oxidants such as fruits and vegetables during treatment.
Of note, dietary supplements are not tested or approved by the US-FDA since they are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure diseases. Use caution as they may have ingredients that are not listed on the label.
Source: FDA 101 Dietary Supplements 6-2-2022 Consumer Updates
The key to eating out is building a bowl or plate that includes at least 3 food groups. If you recall, the Mediterranean Diet is a physician – and dietitian – recommended diet to support heart health and increase anti-inflammatory foods. Popular restaurants that can provide such foods includes:
AICR recommends moderate consumption: 1-2 standard servings per day of soy foods
For plant-based/Mediterranean diets, soy is one of the few plant foods with all amino acids the body needs to make protein. An individual can still follow a healthy diet without soy foods if so choosing.
Source: Soy: Intake Does Not Increase Risk for Breast Cancer Survivors, www.aicr.org.
Cancer patients can find many healthy recipes on the Northwestern Medicine Living Well website in the Nutrition section – these recipes are Mediterranean based and offer simple, healthy suggestions for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Participants can also find recorded nutrition classes and presentations on the You Tube channel: @NorthwesternMedicineLivingWell.
