Finding Credible Nutrition Information for Cancer Patients

By Ashley Lazarz, R.D., L.D

Each year, billions of dollars are spent on useless and in some cases harmful nutrition advise. When it comes to cancer, it’s not uncommon for well-meaning patients, family members and friends to seek advice found online in hopes of helping themselves or a loved one. So, how does one decide what nutrition information is safe and what is too good to be true? Our best option is to have a plan for looking at information before it confronts us because all of us can be fooled some of the time. Consider these points to determine what makes sense and what does not.

Things to consider when evaluating nutrition information: YesorNo?

1. Does the advice or product promise a quick fix?

Complicated medical problems such as cancer seldom have a quick, effortless, or simple solution.

2. Does it sound too good to be true?

Be careful when a product is advertised as a “cure” for a serious disease such as cancer. Delaying medical treatment could have serious consequences. There are no known “nutrition cures” for cancer.

3. Are recommendations based on a single study?

One study may not prove anything, but several studies in which evidence accumulates bit by bit can uncover the truth.

4. Is a product being sold as the solution to the problem?

Keep in mind that the seller may be more interested in your money than your health. Sellers can be very convincing, and many of them are true believers in what they are selling.

5. Does the advice refer to studies reported in nonscientific sources?

Publications in a peer-reviewed journal are a good indication that an expert panel has reviewed the claims. Testimonials and case studies do not prove the usefulness or safety of any product.

Each Yes answer is a red flag that you could be looking at misleading information. So, how can you recognize sound nutrition information vs. a gimmick? Health care providers use scientific studies to make recommendations. You can always ask your health care provider if you are unsure about a medical treatment you read about online. When it comes to nutrition, ask your oncology dietitian. Although there are some things we do not know about nutrition and cancer, there are many things we do know. Dietitians rely on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and other major cancer research centers to evaluate the latest nutrition recommendations. Here are some tips for evaluating nutrition literature.

1. How many studies have produced these results?

One study may not prove anything, but several studies can provide a base for changing health habits.

2. Did the study include a control or comparison group?

A study without a control or comparison group is unsound. Having a basis for comparison is important.

3. How long was the study and how many subjects were included in it?

The fewer the number of subjects and the shorter the time, the greater the chance that the findings don’t tell the whole story. If the age and sex of the subjects are different from you, the results may not apply to you.

What’s the Harm?

Uncertainty and anxiety often go hand and hand with a cancer diagnosis. Concerns about conventional treatments and their side effects cause some patients to seek alternative therapies even if the alternatives are not medically proven. A diet that promises to change the body’s pH so cancer cells can’t survive would certainly be appealing, but there is no diet that cures cancer. Conventional treatment therapies recommended by your medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and surgical oncologist will give you the best outcome when it comes to treating your cancer. Misinformation about nutrition and product scams can be harmful to cancer patients in several ways.

Here are some harmful results:

1. Failure the seek needed medical care

Early and timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer can be lifesaving.

2. Undesirable nutrient-drug interactions. For example, studies have found that anticancer drugs may be less effective in patients who took St. John’s wort while receiving anticancer drugs.

3. Failure to continue essential treatment.

Deciding to take vitamin supplements in place of continuing cancer treatment.

4. Economic loss

Spending money on reported remedies and cures that do not work when money could have been spent on healthful foods.

Many reliable sources of information are available to you. These include scientific and professional associations, government agencies, nutrition departments at accredited colleges and universities and the dietitian at your cancer center. Check out the list below if want to know more about nutrition and cancer.

American Cancer Society (ACS): www.cancer.org

American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): www.aicr.org

National Cancer Institute (NCI): www.cancer.gov

Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group: www.oncologynutrition.org

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, “About Herbs, Botanicals, & Other Products”: www.mskcc.org/cancercare/diagnosis-treatment/symptiom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs

Natural Medicines: https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com

National Institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: https://ods.od.nih.gov

Content adapted from: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/finding-truth-i-reliable-nutrition-andhealth-information