Some cases of cancer have specific causes that are beyond an individual’s control, such as heredity and environment. However, healthcare professionals who specialize in cancer diagnosis and treatment attribute causes to factors that an individual has control over, such as lifestyle choices. These choices include smoking, stress, overexposure to the sun, exercise and proper diet and nutrition.

Of these lifestyle choices, one of the most important changes an individual can make is that of proper diet. There are several benefits to eating quality food, which include increasing antioxidants in the system, a higher energy level, and a stronger immune system. Eating healthily may affect the treatment of cancer at the primary and secondary level, including a healthier mindset. The primary level is what the diet itself does in a direct assault to invading cancerous growth, such as foods that contain antioxidants. The secondary level is the effect that the diet has on the improvement of the individual immune system and the reduction of stress to other systems, primarily the digestive.

A healthier diet that is rich in nutrients and causes less stress to the digestive tract and other systems is more significant in types of cancers that are not otherwise affected directly. Such cancers, including mesothelioma, require treatments that are more radical, such as surgery to remove a lung or body part. In addition, treatment may include radiation and chemotherapy. A healthier diet will assist the individual’s immune system, as these aggressive forms of treatment may adversely affect one’s ability to fight secondary illnesses. In addition, the individual may be better able to handle the stress of these invasive procedures because they have improved their overall health.


One area that an individual should make changes in is their source of protein. Red meats are difficult for the human body to digest, creating stress on the digestive system. Healthier sources of protein include soybean products, black beans, kidney beans, almonds, yogurt, and fish. Perhaps most important when considering diet with regards to the prevention and treatment of cancer is to begin and maintain a healthy diet before a diagnosis. The earlier in life you start making healthy choices the better. Drastically changing one’s diet at the diagnosis of cancer is one more thing to be concerned with at a difficult time in life.

While there may not be any direct claims that proper nutrition can cure cancer or even help in every case, the more positive changes that a person makes may certainly make a difference in their overall treatment plan.