It’s the holiday season and with the pandemic somewhat under control, your calendar may be filling up with invites to holiday parties.  Spending time with friends and loved ones and sampling all the tasty foods is par for the course this time of year – but what effect could those rich foods have on your cancer risk, symptoms, and cancer treatment? 

Weight and Cancer Risk

Weight is measured in pounds, kilograms, or BMI (a ratio of height-to-weight).  You may be used to hearing that it is important to maintain a healthy body weight when it comes to cardiovascular or joint health, but it also has a big impact on cancer risk.  Being overweight or obese is one of the top three modifiable risk factors for cancer risk, and is associated with at least 13 different cancer types.  These include post-menopausal breast cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer.  Reach and maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 24.5 is generally considered healthy, but ask your cancer physician to review your specific weight goal.

Rich Foods and Treatment-Related Symptoms

If you are currently undergoing cancer treatment, you may have a range of symptoms from mouth sores, upset stomach and diarrhea, to fatigue or muscle aches.  Foods served during the holiday season are generally filled with cream, butter, and sugar which could mean an increased risk of symptom flares.  Always be mindful of how foods you eat affect your specific complaints.  This may mean having only a few bites of certain dishes and choosing to eat lighter for most of your foods.  Consider having your host pack up a small plate of foods you want to eat when feeling better, so you don’t miss out on holiday favorites. 

If you are the one cooking and the smell of food is unpleasant, try to cook in a well-ventilated area.  If fatigue is keeping you from finishing meal prep, start prepping early and freezing foods, take frequent breaks and enlist friends and family to help you out.  The holidays are meant to be joy-filled; these few modifications can help make sure your symptoms don’t make you miss out on the magic. 

Weight and Cancer Treatment

Cancer and cancer treatment can have a wide range of effects on body weight. Weight gain is common during breast cancer treatment, and research shows that gaining more than about 12 pounds can have negative effects on treatment efficacy. This group of patients should be especially mindful about their diet and exercise. In many other cancer types it is common to lose weight, and patients may even develop malnutrition if not careful. Read our blog post on the topic here. Typically, the goal for most cancer patients care is to maintain their body weight during treatment, ensuring they have good nutrition and good muscle stores – this is true even if they are overweight at the start.

This holiday season consider the phrase ‘a little bit goes a long way’ for the traditional holiday foods.  Have a few bites of those rich foods, stick to lighter foods such as salads and avoid creamy sauces or gravies if you are trying to control your weight.  Be mindful about trigger foods if you are having gastrointestinal symptoms, maybe freezing some for when you’re feeling better. But above all, enjoy the time spent among your family, friends, and loved ones and soak up some nutrition for the soul.

Interested in talking about weight control, symptom management, or have any other cancer-related nutrition questions? Sign up for an account at OncoPower and reach out to our Registered Dietitians – we’re here to help! OncoPower offers many other cancer support services; join today to explore our offerings.

Have you been feeling run-down, weak, or tired since getting your cancer diagnosis or starting cancer treatment? This feeling is known as cancer-related fatigue, and is one of the most commonly reported side effects of cancer.  Depending on cancer and treatment type, up to 99% of patients report some fatigue with up to 60% describing it as moderate or severe. Unfortunately, it may persist up to a year after cancer treatment ends.  Wondering what you can do to alleviate this symptom? Read on to learn about nutrition-based remedies to support your care. 

Protein

Protein is an essential nutrient, key to preserving muscle mass and keeping your immune system strong.  It is found in animal foods, such as chicken and fish, as well as plant foods like soy, beans, and lentils.  When you are fatigued, you may start skipping meals or eat only small amounts, which can lead to a protein deficit.  If this happens, the body will start to break down the existing muscle, and this may make weakness worse.  Older adults especially need to make sure they are eating adequate protein, as their requirements are higher than younger folks.  Aim for eating 15-30 grams of protein in a sitting to ensure you’re hitting muscle preserving targets.  This is about as much as a piece of chicken the size of a deck of cards, a protein shake, or a cup of black beans.  

Fat

Often vilified but key to making sure your body has enough energy, fat is essential to any diet.  There are many types of fats, and the ones that have been shown to protect against inflammation have been shown to reduce fatigue as well.  Omega-3 fats, such as those found in cold water fish or seeds such as flax and chia, are known anti-inflammatory agents. Diets high in omega-3’s and low in saturated fats (the kind found in beef and butter) have been linked to improved fatigue rates. A moderate total fat diet, which is low in saturated fats but high in plant and fish fats, is key to lowering inflammation and therefore lowering fatigue rates.  Try having salmon or mackerel a few times a week and sprinkling chia or ground flaxseeds over oatmeal in the morning. 

Carbohydrate

Carbs can be broken down into three categories: simple, complex, and non-digestible fiber. Simple carbs, like those found in white bread, soda pop, and sweets, lead to higher amounts of inflammation and blood sugar disruption, overall bad for fatigue.  Complex carbs are found in whole grains, and can lead to steady blood sugar levels and provide consistent energy throughout the day, both of which are beneficial to those battling fatigue.  Higher intakes of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, has been to improve fatigue levels in cancer patients.  Aim for choosing whole grains most of the time. 

Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, and Herbs

Anemias, such as those caused by iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, are common causes of fatigue and should be treated by your doctor.  Vitamin D, a common deficit in American adults and cancer patients, may play a role in muscle quality and function. Levels should be checked by a provider and corrected as needed. Additionally, there is good evidence that shows that a diet rich in antioxidants, like one that has plenty of brightly colored fruits and veggies, will reduce inflammation and possibly improve fatigue.  Taking individual antioxidant supplements has not been proven to improve fatigue.  Emerging evidence shows that ginseng and ginger supplements may increase energy levels, but it is important to speak with your care team before starting any herbs to avoid interactions and make sure the dosage is correct. 

Overall, a Mediterranean diet pattern has been shown to improve inflammation and would likely improve fatigue in cancer patients. Not only this, but there are a host of other beneficial health effects as well such as improved heart health and potential weight loss if needed.  Consider adopting this eating style, as it may be beneficial to you in more ways than one. 

What Else Can I Do to Fight Fatigue?

There are non-nutrition related interventions that have been shown to have positive effects on fatigue, and should be discussed with your care team.  These include regular exercise routines especially yoga, sleep solutions, acupuncture, and some medications.  Having an open conversation with your cancer care team about any side effects of treatment is critical to maintaining good quality of life.  Be sure to check in with your providers as necessary.  

Wondering how to implement some of these nutritional changes to improve your fatigue? Reach out to the Registered Dietitians at OncoPower, they are happy to connect with you.  OncoPower gives you direct access to a range of cancer support services, right in your pocket.

What Are Pesticides?

According to the National Institute for Environmental Health Science, a pesticide is “any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests.”  They are used in farming to control weeds, make sure crops aren’t eaten by pests, and to prevent mold and mildew from ruining produce. Pesticides can be natural (like copper) or synthesized (like Round-Up). Nearly every single farm in the world uses pesticides.  After harvesting and processing crops, small amounts or residues remain in food which exposes consumers to low levels of these chemicals. 

Several governmental agencies regulate pesticides. First, the Environmental Protection Agency maintains a database of all pesticides available, their cancer causing behavior is reviewed and updated as data is made available.  Then, the US Department of Agriculture and FDA tests a variety of produce annually for pesticide exposure, and makes the information available publicly.  Outside agencies synthesize this data, and farming practices are updated on an as-needed basis.  

What Harm Can They Cause?

The harm caused by pesticides ranges depending on which one you are discussing and the amount of exposure.  Various pesticides have been described to be carcinogenic, to interfere with brain function, and to impair fertility among other negative impacts. However the EPA sets limits on how much of each pesticide is safe to consume, and annual testing makes sure that farms are meeting these limits. The safe limits are set very low, to make sure that vulnerable populations like children are protected. Approved pesticides, when eaten in normal dietary amounts, are safe to consume. Most studies that show a pesticide is harmful use amounts that are excessively high and would only be of concern if you consumed truckloads of a certain pesticide. Our food supply is very safe, and you should not worry that anything on store shelves is going to harm you.  

That being said, a recent systematic review of observational studies showed that by choosing foods with low or no pesticide content, the risk for metabolic syndrome, high BMI, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, infertility, birth defects, allergic sensitization, otitis media and pre-eclampsia all declined significantly.  The data was not strong enough to make a definitive statement about causation, but further studies are underway to help determine this. These studies are hard to do, since people who choose foods low in pesticides often participate in other healthy behaviors like exercising and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol. This makes it hard for researchers to determine what caused the positive impact.

What If I Want To Reduce My Pesticide Exposure?

After reading all this, you may still choose to avoid pesticides. Synthetic pesticides are generally more toxic and are only used in conventional (non-organic) agriculture, so one way to make sure you are avoiding them is to buy organic foods. Organic foods may still have some pesticides, but they must be naturally derived from plants or animals and are very tightly controlled. Each year, the Environmental Working Group releases the Dirty Dozen list of foods which contain the most synthetic pesticides. These are the fruits and vegetables it is most important to buy organically, if you can. This year, the list is as follows:

1. Strawberries
2. Spinach
3. Kale, Collard and Mustard Greens
4. Nectarines
5. Apples
6. Grapes
7. Cherries 
8. Peaches
9. Pears
10. Bell and Hot Peppers
11. Celery
12. Tomatoes

On the flipside, they also release the Clean Fifteen list, which is produce that contains the least amount of pesticides. These are generally safer to buy conventionally. They are:

1. Avocado
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapple
4. Onions
5. Papaya
6. Sweet Peas (frozen)
7. Eggplant
8. Asparagus
9. Broccoli
10. Cabbage
11. Kiwi
12. Cauliflower
13. Mushrooms
14. Honeydew melon
15. Cantaloupe 

Key Takeaway

If given a choice between eating fruits and veggies or not eating them, it is always healthier to eat them! High intake of plant foods is tied to a reduced risk for many different chronic diseases, including cancer.  Organic produce is often much more expensive than conventionally grown, and if price is a barrier for you, know that you are making a healthy choice even if organic isn’t in your budget. If possible, try to buy the ‘Dirty Dozen’ items organically but don’t fuss if you can’t find them in your price range or in your grocery store.  Having an overall healthy diet pattern, like the one recommended by the American Cancer Society, is more likely to have a beneficial impact on your disease risk than pesticide exposure. 

Still have questions about pesticides? Join OncoPower today and ask our Registered Dietitians a question – we’re happy to help you navigate the produce aisle! OncoPower offers a range of products to provide support for cancer patients, please join our community and get the help you deserve today.

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, a time to celebrate togetherness with family, friends and of course, good food.  OncoPower Nutrition thought it would be fun and educational to highlight the nutritional qualities of common foods served during this harvest season. 

Mains

The traditional roast turkey is a protein powerhouse! A portion about the size of a deck of cards has 25 grams of muscle building protein, along with B-vitamins for energy and selenium, an antioxidant. Dark meat has more nutrients than white, so pick at least a little to get the most from each bite.

If you are going meatless this Thanksgiving, tofurkey is a good option. It provides a serving of whole soy food, excellent for breast cancer patients, and provides 5 grams of plant-based fiber. If you want to stick to something less processed, a hearty lentil or chickpea-based salad will also provide plant protein and fiber with less additives. These legumes and pulses provide great food for your gut bacteria, which can support your immune system, as well as your digestion!

Starches

Stuffing comes in many forms, but most are made with an onion, celery and herb base. Onions are alliums which are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that can help improve your immune function. Fresh or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary are also known for their immune boosting compounds – the more the better.

Mashed potatoes are a wonderful comfort food and if you are experiencing any treatment related symptoms, they can be a great option. With their bright orange color, sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A plus their high fiber content means you won’t end up with high blood sugar after eating them. Try roasting with a light sauce of olive oil, syrup, and spices rather than loading them up with marshmallows to keep that blood sugar within a healthy range.

Sides

Any side dish that has a dark, rich color is going to be full of nutrition and cranberries fit nicely in this category. This tart treat packs more antioxidants into one cup than almost all other fruits and veggies! Collard greens, often sautéed with garlic, are a savory side dish with lots of nutrition. Falling into the cruciferous vegetable family, they have phytonutrients shown to protect against cancer. Green beans, a standby in many households, have high fiber content and may be a good choice if you find yourself gassy or having trouble digesting foods after starting cancer treatment.

Desserts

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie, and that orange color is a giveaway that the vitamin A content is high, just like sweet potatoes. It is also a good source of vitamin C and potassium – consider your immune system boosted with a slice. Pecan pie, commonly eaten in the South around Thanksgiving, is full of calcium, potassium, and zinc plus antioxidants which may have anti-cancer effects. Remember that even when made with healthy ingredients, desserts are meant to be a treat – choose a slice of pie thats about as thick as three fingers to make sure you’re not getting too much sugar.

Having cancer or having a loved one who is going through treatment doesn’t mean that these Thanksgiving foods are off the menu. You can modify recipes so that any treatment-related symptoms don’t flare, and know that one day of indulgence won’t do any harm – it may even make you feel better in the long run. 

Holiday meals do so much more than nourish our bodies; they can lighten our moods, fill our spirits with love, and remind us to be grateful to those who support us day in and day out. This Thanksgiving, the team at OncoPower would like to thank all of our patients and oncologists for allowing us to be part of your cancer journey. Not a member yet? Join OncoPower and see how our tools and cancer support services can help you after a cancer diagnosis. 

November is National Diabetes Month and at OncoPower we want to raise awareness and educate about this very common disease.  Diabetes is a condition where your body does not regulate your blood sugar correctly. Over time, this disease is known to lead to heart, kidney, nerve, and eye damage. About 30 million people in America have diabetes and 1 in 3 adults have prediabetes.  Since it is so common and can have so many negative effects, many of you may be asking: how does diabetes affect cancer and cancer patients care? 

What Cancers Are More Common in Patients with Diabetes?

There is a large and growing body of evidence which links diabetes to increased cancer risk.  People with diabetes are twice as likely as their non-diabetic counterparts to develop pancreatic, liver, and endometrial cancers.  They are also more likely to develop colorectal, breast, and bladder cancer.  Interestingly, men with diabetes are actually less likely to develop prostate cancer.

How Can Diabetes Affect Cancer Outcomes?

Women with diabetes and breast cancer are more likely to die from the disease, and overall patients with diabetes have higher rates of recurrence and 41% high risk of death than cancer patients without diabetes.  

Scientists believe that there is a link between the increased insulin and increased blood glucose in cancer patients and the development and progression of cancer. Cancer cells primarily use sugar as their fuel, at a much higher rate than non-cancerous cells; in a person with chronically high blood sugar, this could be a cause for tumor growth. Additionally, diabetes is far more likely to develop in patients with excess body fat, and fat tissue is known to secrete hormones and chemicals which increase inflammation and the risk of many types of cancer.  

The treatment for diabetes may also play a part in cancer development, with those who take metformin having a reduced risk of cancer and cancer mortality and those who take insulin having an increased risk of cancer.  The exact cause of the higher risk of cancer and cancer-related death in diabetes is difficult to tease out, as many of the mechanisms overlap and happen at the same time. 

How Can Cancer Treatment Affect Blood Sugar Control?

Cancer treatment types can vary widely and their effect on blood sugar is also variable. For example, steroid use can cause high blood sugar and some chemotherapy drugs can actually induce insulin resistance.  Your cancer care specialist will discuss any risks of your specific treatment with you and address any issues that arise.  

How Can I Improve My Blood Sugar Control? 

Controlling your blood sugar is important to preventing diabetes from developing, or preventing its progression.  Following healthy eating guidelines, like those from the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association, will lead to better blood sugar and weight control, and increased intake of cancer-fighting compounds like antioxidants and phytonutrients.  Key recommendations include: 

• Move your body with intention for at least 30 minutes a day
  • This can be as simple as walking the dog, cleaning the house, and strolling after a meal
  • The more vigorous the movement, the better the impact 
• Foods to include:
  • Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, which have slow-to-digest carbohydrates that keep you fuller longer and keep your blood sugar stable
  • Fruits and vegetables that are brightly colored, to provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your immune system working properly
  • Lean proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, nuts & seeds, beans, and soy to keep your muscles strong
  • Healthful fats like olive, canola, or avocado oil to provide additional energy and keep you satisfied
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins 
• Foods to avoid or limit:
  • High sugar foods such as soda pop, candies, and cookies since they cause blood sugar spikes and have very little nutrition 
  • Fatty or fried foods like french fries, steak, cream, and butter as these can lead to high inflammation and are not good for your heart
  • Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men

Interested in learning how to control your blood sugar with a cancer diagnosis? Join our community at OncoPower to connect with Registered Dietitians, Oncologists, and other cancer care specialists. You’ll get personalized answers to your most important questions and the cancer support you deserve. 

Protein is an important component of a healthy diet; we need protein to build muscle, maintain our immune system, and heal after injury.  It is important to eat the right amount of protein daily, but there is a much research that shows that the type of protein you are eating is just as important.  According to the USDA, the biggest source of protein in the American diet is red and processed meats, with the average person eating a whopping 73 pounds a year! Keep reading to see if your typical lunch could be affecting your cancer risk. 

What is Red Meat and Processed Meat? 

Red meat includes beef, pork, lamb, goat, and game meats such as venison.  Processed meats are any meats that have been preserved by smoking, salting, curing, or adding chemical additives.  The complete list is long, but notably includes bacon, sausage, prosciutto, hot dogs, and lunchmeat like ham and bologna.

How Does it Affect Cancer Risk? 

Red meat is likely to increase the risk for colon cancer, and there is some evidence linking it to the risk of lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.  Processed meat, however, is shown to have a much stronger tie to colon cancer with some evidence showing ties to stomach, lung and pancreatic cancers and even some link to breast and prostate cancers.  The Global Burden of Disease Project determined recently that each year 34,000 cancer deaths globally could be traced to processed meat.

There are a range of ways that red and processed meats could increase the risk of cancer.  First, studies report that the way meat is digested in the gut can induce stress and mutations in cells lining the intestines, leading to higher risk of colon cancer.  Also, it is common to grill meats like hamburgers and hot dogs.  This high heat and smoke can cause different chemicals linked to cancer to form on the meats, which may be carcinogenic in humans. Last, processed meats often contain nitrates, which cause DNA damage and have been shown in animal models to be carcinogenic.

An indirect cause related to red and processed meat is that a high meat diet is often low in many fruits and vegetables. The lack of produce in the diet means there is a lack of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making the immune system less effective at defending against any mutations which may occur.

How Much Meat Should I Be Eating?

Current guidelines from the American Institute for Cancer Research suggest limiting red meat intake to 12-18 oz per week, or eating it three times a week or less. This would look like having carnitas tacos on Tuesday, a sirloin steak on Friday night, and Sunday lamb chops. 

It is important to note that the recommendation is to LIMIT consumption of red meat, not ELIMINATE it entirely. This is good news for all the burger lovers out there.  Red meat is a good source of iron, B12, and protein – it’s not all bad!

Multiple organizations such as the WHO and AICR suggest avoiding processed meats ENTIRELY to keep your cancer risk as low as possible. Chicken sausage or turkey bacon might improve the risk for certain cardiac diseases, but it still is considered processed meat for cancer risk. 

So What Can I Eat?

Has this article left you scratching your head, wondering what is left on the menu? There are many options for protein left, including:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Eggs
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Beans and legumes
• Plant proteins such as tofu, tempeh, seitan or edamame

Take this moment as a good opportunity to evaluate your meal choices, make some substitutions, and try something new! Remember, you don’t have to avoid all red meat; just choose it three times a week or less.  And whatever protein you choose, remember that a balanced plate is ¼ protein, ¼ starchy food, and ½ non-starchy vegetables. 

Have questions about how to switch up your proteins for best cancer protection? The Registered Dietitians at OncoPower are here to help you make healthy changes to your diet. Join today to get your cancer-related questions answered. 

A cancer diagnosis can come with all kinds of stress and anxiety, in fact almost one half of cancer patients report anxiety symptoms.  This anxiety can be about the future, your family, treatment and finances – the list may seem endless at times.  A major area of stress for many cancer patients comes during mealtimes, when food is no longer pleasurable.

What is Food Stress? 

Food anxiety or stress is not well defined, but two oncology dietitians defined it as is when fear around food causes unease or distress in the mind or body. All human beings have to eat several times a day in order to sustain themselves.  But for cancer patients, it’s not as simple as walking into the kitchen.  They may be suffering from physical symptoms like mouth sores or diarrhea that make eating painful or embarrassing.  Or they could have mental symptoms like worrying that the foods they ate in the past caused their cancer or what they eat now could ‘feed’ the cancer.  This fear and worry can start restrictive behaviors that lead to not getting enough nourishment, reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatment and survival. 

What are Sources of Food Stress?

Food stress can be caused by internal and external forces.  If you need to use the bathroom right after eating, this can cause you to avoid eating when in social situations or away from home.  If you heard on social media that eating bacon causes colon cancer, you may become a vegetarian and avoid things that once brought you joy.  Or, you could have a friend who gets disappointed or angry when you don’t eat the cookies she brought over.  A coworker could be constantly sending articles on the ketogenic diet in cancer and you don’t know how to politely ask them to stop.  Maybe your cancer treatment made you gain ten pounds and now you don’t like the way your clothes fit.  This is not an exhaustive list, there are dozens of ways that food and nutrition can cause stress during cancer treatment but what’s key is how you address this anxiety.

How Can You Work Through Anxiety?

First of all, you should always tell your cancer care specialists about any symptoms, including emotional ones.  Certain cancer types or treatments can even cause or worsen anxiety symptoms.  To manage your food-related symptoms, often a first line of defense is to keep a food log for a few days, tracking what you are eating and how you feel afterwards.  Keeping ‘safe foods’ on hand which always make you feel good can be beneficial.

Next, be kind and patient with friends and family.  They may bring over food as a way to show their love and support but you may not feel like eating it then, or ever.  Tell them that they are appreciated, and communicate how you are feeling or what foods you may prefer.  Let them know if it would be more helpful for them to run to the store or walk the dog for you, rather than bringing over another casserole.

Last, make sure your nutrition information is coming from a trusted source.  Your physician and your Registered Dietitian are great points of reference, as are university, hospital, or government websites such as the following:

• American Institute for Cancer Research
• National Cancer Institute
• Cancer Treatment Centers of America
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

When Should You Seek Help?

You should always feel comfortable bringing any concerns about symptoms to your cancer care team, including those around nutrition and food.  If you find yourself constantly thinking about food, unable to choose a food to eat because you are worried it will make you physically ill, or are losing weight because you aren’t eating enough these are all definitive signs you should ask to speak with a Registered Dietitian and possibly a therapist to help you manage your stress.  Your cancer treatment team is there to support you in whatever way they can.

Do you have questions about food and nutrition during cancer treatment? Join OncoPower and reach out to our cancer physicians and Registered Dietitians, available around the clock.  Our goal is to close gaps between patients and providers by providing seamless, remote care by enhancing cancer support services. 

With Halloween approaching, most people are stocking up on chocolate bars, fruity chews, and other candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters. Though a delicious holiday tradition, many cancer patients are wondering: do these sweet treats do more harm than good? 

What is Sugar and Why Do We Need It?

Sugar is a kind of simple carbohydrate, which means it is digested quickly by the body.  Sugar is in obviously sweet things like soda pop, candy, and baked goods, but is also in healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  Every cell in the body, including cancer cells, uses carbohydrates as a main energy source.  Your body doesn’t store many carbohydrates, which is why you need to consume them every day.

Why Do Some People Say Sugar Causes Cancer?

As of this writing, there is no evidence to say that sugar directly causes cancer.  However, there is an indirect link between sugar and cancer.  A diet that is high in sugary foods leads to weight gain and obesity, which leads to high inflammation in the body.  Obesity and inflammation have both been strongly linked to 13 kinds of cancer and in the US, excessive weight is the second largest modifiable risk factor to developing cancer behind smoking. Obesity and excess fat in the body also leads to abnormal levels of specific hormone and signaling molecules, which may have cancer-causing effects.

Because cancer cells use carbohydrates for energy to grow, some people think if they cut out all sugar from their diet then the cancer will shrink and die.  If curing cancer was this easy, there would be no need for chemotherapy drugs! This doesn’t work because your whole body, not just cancer cells, needs carbohydrates in order to make energy. If you don’t eat enough sugar and carbohydrates, your body will break down fat and muscle to make sugar. This tissue breakdown leads to weakness, fatigue, and even malnutrition.  Foods like carrots, strawberries, oatmeal, and milk all contain natural sugars but also contain healthy things like fiber and antioxidants which can be cancer-fighting. It isn’t healthy to get rid of all these foods from your diet, especially when many cancer patients have a hard time eating enough food as it is.

How Much Should You Eat?

Many recommendations for sugar and carbohydrates intake are written in ‘servings per day’ or ‘grams per day’. This level of detail can be confusing to follow in your day-to-day life, but on the nutrition facts label the most important thing to avoid is too much ‘added sugar.’ This is the kind that manufacturers put in foods to make it addictively sweet, and can be a range of things, from the much demonized ‘high-fructose corn syrup’ to ‘brown rice syrup’ but it all means the same thing – sugar.  Overall, you should be limiting the amount of artificially sweet foods and choosing more naturally sweet foods. The American Cancer Society, along with many other trusted sources, suggests following an eating pattern similar to the one below, both to prevent and treat cancer:

• Include:
  • Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, which contain slow-to-digest carbohydrates that keep you fuller longer
  • Fruits and vegetables that are brightly colored, to provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your immune system working properly
  • Lean proteins such as fish, chicken, eggs, nuts & seeds, beans, and soy to keep your muscles strong
  • Healthful fats like olive, canola, or avocado oil to provide additional energy and keep you satisfied
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins 
• Avoid or limit:
  • High sugar foods such as soda pop, candies, and cookies since they provide a lot of energy but very little nutrition 
  • Fatty or fried foods like french fries, steak, cream, and butter as these can lead to high inflammation and are not good for your heart

Sugar is delicious but not very nutritious, especially for cancer patients who need to get the most impact out of every bite.  Do you have specific questions about what changes you should make to your diet to enhance your cancer care? Join OncoPower and reach out to our Registered Dietitians on the app. We look forward to giving you personalized nutrition advice, it’s a treat that can be enjoyed year-round!

Did you know that women have a 1 in 78 chance of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetime? It should be no wonder, then, that 21,410 women receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis each year. 

Ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are female reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer can spread from the ovaries to other regions, including the abdomen and pelvis.

It’s critical to treat ovarian cancer before it metastasizes. Allowing ovarian cancer cells to leave the ovaries can make a full recovery less likely. Plus, advanced ovarian cancer can lead to further complications like fertility loss.

Are you wondering: do I have ovarian cancer? Then you need to look out for the early signs and symptoms. Keep reading for everything you need to know about ovarian cancer, signs you might have it, and your treatment options.

Types

There are over 30 different types of ovarian cancer. Each type gets its name from the location in the body where the tumor originates.

Here are the most common types of ovarian cancer.

Epithelial

Epithelial tumors make up 85–90% of ovarian cancers. 

Epithelial tissues line the entire body, protect hollow organs and cavities, and make up hormone-producing glands. Epithelial cells also cover the ovaries. Ovarian cancer originates from these cells.

Germ Cell

Only 2% of all cases originate from germ cells. 

Germ cells are precursors to gametes. Gametes are also known as egg and sperm cells. Germ cell ovarian cancer starts in egg-producing germ cells.

Unlike other types of ovarian cancer, germ cell tumors are more common in young women and teens. And the good news is that germ cell tumors tend to only affect one ovary. This can improve the ability to maintain fertility.

Stromal

Stomal tumors are the least common type of ovarian cancer of these three. It makes up less than 1% of all diagnosed cases of ovarian cancer. 

Stroma is connective cells binding organs to epithelial tissues. Stroma also surrounds the ovaries, where its job is to produce hormones. This is also where stromal tumors begin.

Vaginal bleeding is a sign of a stromal tumor and the reason why many stromal cancers are caught early on. If you’re post-menopausal, vaginal bleeding may be a sign of this cancer type.

Who’s At Risk?

50% of diagnoses occur in women over the age of 63. This type of cancer also tends to occur more commonly in white than black women. Also, obesity may be a risk factor, though we need more research to learn why.

Gene mutations to breast cancer genes 1 and 2 cause a small number of ovarian cancer cases each year. Similarly, having two or more close relatives who had ovarian cancer confers a higher risk.

Women who have undergone long-term or high-dose estrogen HRT (hormone replacement therapy), women who start their periods early in life, and women who start menopause late in life are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer.

Symptoms Explained

Cancer of the ovaries can be difficult to catch because it’s often symptomless. The following signs usually begin to arise when the tumor metastasizes (spreads to other tissues in the body).

Bloating

Bloating and/or swelling of the abdomen is an early-stage symptom. But it’s also the most common sign of advanced ovarian cancer.

Bloating occurs when the tumor starts to irritate the inside of the abdominal wall. The stomach responds by producing a fluid, which leads to bloating.

Fluid buildup can also result from cancer cells spreading to the liver or lymphatic system, both of which also produce fluid as a response to foreign irritants.

When the fluid then leaks from the liver or lymphatic system into the stomach, bloating may occur.

Weight Changes

It can cause weight gain and/or weight loss as a symptom.

A primary reason for weight loss is that it often causes loss of appetite. And losing the desire for food commonly leads to unintentional weight loss.

Some women with ovarian tumors also experience weight gain, especially if the tumor is large. Constipation — a common sign of ovarian cancer — is another cause of weight gain. Normal digestion can’t occur when you’re constipated.

Belly Pain or Discomfort

When an ovarian tumor gets large enough, it may begin to press against nearby organs like the intestines and colon. This is why many people experience constipation.

The pressure can also lead to issues with the pelvis and lower belly. For example, belly pain or an upset stomach are often ovarian cancer symptoms. Pain during intercourse is yet another sign you may have an ovarian tumor.

Quick Satiety

Cancerous tumors release hormones. And these hormones can interfere with our body’s natural hormone signaling.

One result of this hormone disruption is that your satiety cues (which make us feel full after a meal) may be thrown out of whack.

You might start feeling full when you haven’t eaten much. Another sign is if you lose your appetite altogether.

Frequent Urination

Ovarian tumors may also press against the bladder. When this happens, you may feel like you have to go all the time, leading to frequent urination.

Treatment Options

Treatment varies depending on how advanced the cancer is, the type of ovarian cancer, and the tumor’s size.

Oncologists’ primary treatment recommendation for ovarian cancer is surgery. The surgeon can remove the tumor. Then, you’ll likely undergo chemotherapy, which will kill off any remaining cells surgery couldn’t address.

Sometimes, it comes back after treatment. Unfortunately, this happens in about 70% of cases. Symptoms of a re-occurring ovarian tumor include:

• Stomach bloating, swelling, or pain
• Nausea and indigestion
• Changes in appetite
• Lower back or pelvic pressure
• Changes in bowel movements
• Fatigue

The best way to avoid a relapse is to reduce your risk factors and attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor.

Get Your Top Ovarian Cancer Questions Answered With Oncopower

It doesn’t always present with symptoms until more advanced stages. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the above signs of a tumor on your ovaries.

Do you have more questions about the symptoms of ovarian cancer? Oncopower is a convenient app allowing you to connect with an oncologist whenever, wherever you’re located. Register for Oncopower today!

Cancer is a devastating disease. And unfortunately, it’s still a big issue. Out of 100,000 men and women, around 442 of them will get cancer every year. If you’re diagnosed with cancer, you’ll have to see an oncologist for your treatment.

What is an oncologist? An oncologist is a doctor that specializes in cancer treatment. Finding the right oncologist can be tricky, simply because there are so many types of oncologists. The oncologist you see will depend on the type of cancer you have as well as your treatment.

Which type of oncologist is right for you? Here, we will cover the different types of oncologists and how they can help with your condition.

The Role of the Oncologist

Before covering the different types of oncologists, let’s look more at this type of doctor and how they assist cancer patients.

An oncologist diagnoses and treats different types of cancer. They will also manage a patient’s care throughout the course of the disease, which also includes reducing any side effects they experience from the disease and treatment.

A proper diagnosis follows specific steps:

• Identifying the type of cancer and stage
• Exploring treatment options
• Managing side effects and symptoms

Cancer is a debilitating and scary disease. That’s why your oncologist will be more than your doctor — they can serve as a support system. An oncologist is a unique doctor because they have special training in delivering high-quality care while showing compassion.

A typical oncologist has a specialty team that consists of:

• Pathologist
• Oncology social worker
• Oncology nurse
• Doctors in other areas of medicine
• And more

All of these professionals are devoted to delivering the best care.

Types of Oncologists

Now that we have a better understanding of the oncologist, let’s look at the different types of oncologists. Keep in mind, this isn’t a complete list.

Surgical Oncologist

If you’ll need surgery, you’ll visit a surgical oncologist. They specialize in removing cancerous tumors as well as nearby tissue.

There are also surgical oncologists who specialize in certain operations for specific types of cancer. For example, otolaryngologists treat cancers of the head and neck while urologists perform surgeries for those with prostate cancer.

A surgical oncologist can also diagnose cancer, performing a biopsy. However, they may only be able to diagnose certain types of cancer.

After receiving their doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO), surgical oncologists will spend the next several years in a surgical residency program. Many graduates pursue general surgical oncology before choosing a specialty.

Medical Oncologist

If chemotherapy falls into your treatment plan, you’ll need to see a medical oncologist. They may also give other treatments, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Medical oncologists also prescribe medications that will alleviate any side effects and symptoms you’re experiencing.

Even if you’re not undergoing chemotherapy or another medical procedure, many use a medical oncologist as their primary specialist. They can coordinate care with other doctors and monitor your treatment.

After receiving their MD or DO, a medical oncologist completes an internal medicine or pediatrics residency that lasts approximately three years. From here, they join an oncology fellowship that lasts another three years.

Radiation Oncologist

This oncologist treats cancer specifically with radiation therapy. They may the area that needs to be treated, calculating the dose as well as the number of needles needed.

You may need radiation therapy for a couple of reasons. If you need surgery, radiation will eradicate any cancer cells you may have. If you received palliative care, radiation can be used to ease any pain you have. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is also used to treat specific tumors and other cancers in stages of metastasis.

After receiving their MD or DO, a radiation oncologist spends five-to-six years in a radiation oncology residency program.

Pediatric Oncologist

Unfortunately, cancer can also occur in children and teenagers. This specialist treats cancer in children. Some cancers they can treat include leukemia, brain tumors, Ewing’s sarcoma, and osteosarcoma.

Even though a pediatric oncologist is specialized to work with children, they can also work with adults. Some cancers occur more commonly in children than adults. If an adult is diagnosed with these specific cancers, they can opt to visit a pediatric oncologist for treatment.

Gynecologic Oncologist

These oncologists specialize in gynecologic cancers (cancer of the woman’s reproductive organs). These include ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers.

After receiving their MD or DO, a gynecologic oncologist undergoes obstetrics and gynecology residency. From here, they pursue their training through a gynecologic oncology fellowship. Here, they receive training on chemotherapeutic, surgical, and radiation techniques.

Hematologist Oncologist

This oncologist specializes in blood cancers. They can diagnose and treat them. Common examples of blood cancers include lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. They have extra training in the human blood system as well as the bone marrow and lymphatic systems.

The Oncologist You’ll See by Cancer Type

The oncologist you see depends on the type of cancer you have. Fortunately, you can see a medical oncologist for many types of cancer, such as bladder cancer and breast cancer.

Depending on the treatment, your radiation oncologist will be your main oncologist. This may be the case if you have a type of cancer such as brain cancer; radiation will stop or slow the growth of brain tumors.

You may also have to see specialized surgeons for many of your treatments. For example, if you have colorectal cancer and need surgery, you’ll see a colorectal surgeon. If you need surgery for liver cancer, you’ll see a hepatobiliary surgeon.

How Do You Find the Best Types of Oncologists?

Now that you know the different types of oncologists, you may be wondering how to find the best one. Don’t worry, we make this process easy. We provide access to oncologists for free 24/7. Register today!