Food For Thought: Changes In Diet and Nutrition After Cancer
Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2026 4:41 am
My name is Natasha, and I’m 35 years old. My name is Nicole, and I’m 30 years old. I’m Andrea, and I’m 36 years old. I had to immerse myself in the world of breast cancer because I felt that if I could understand it, I could control it. When I was diagnosed, I read every book I could find about the impact of nutrition on cancer. Many young people with cancer have questions about nutrition and want to understand how it affects their risk of recurrence. Evidence suggests that choosing foods higher in fiber can help control weight, and weight is a very important risk factor for breast cancer and may also be linked to recurrence risk.
A balanced diet also involves minimizing foods that may increase cancer risk or negatively affect overall health. This includes limiting packaged foods and items high in added sugars, saturated fats, or trans fats. Recent research on soy and breast cancer indicates that consuming one to two servings of soy foods per day does not increase the risk of poor outcomes or recurrence and may even benefit some women. Whole soy foods such as edamame are recommended instead of processed soy products or soy or isoflavone supplements, since supplements can be overly concentrated and it is possible to consume excessive amounts.
I like to describe the 80/20 rule: choose healthy foods about 80 percent of the time and allow less healthy choices about 20 percent of the time. Keeping cooking simple can also help, such as using only three or four ingredients when preparing meals. If the person undergoing cancer treatment is usually the one who cooks, involving other family members in meal preparation can be very helpful.
One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy eating habits is planning ahead. Creating a meal plan can prevent impulsive grocery purchases that do not align with nutrition goals. Some useful kitchen tools include a good grater, a speed peeler, and a quality chef’s knife. I have found a balance that works for me. Most of the changes I made have been successful, and now I make an effort to cook healthier, less processed foods. I try to eat as healthily as possible, but I also allow myself to eat what I want occasionally, because it is important to enjoy life and not be overly rigid or restrictive.
A balanced diet also involves minimizing foods that may increase cancer risk or negatively affect overall health. This includes limiting packaged foods and items high in added sugars, saturated fats, or trans fats. Recent research on soy and breast cancer indicates that consuming one to two servings of soy foods per day does not increase the risk of poor outcomes or recurrence and may even benefit some women. Whole soy foods such as edamame are recommended instead of processed soy products or soy or isoflavone supplements, since supplements can be overly concentrated and it is possible to consume excessive amounts.
I like to describe the 80/20 rule: choose healthy foods about 80 percent of the time and allow less healthy choices about 20 percent of the time. Keeping cooking simple can also help, such as using only three or four ingredients when preparing meals. If the person undergoing cancer treatment is usually the one who cooks, involving other family members in meal preparation can be very helpful.
One of the most effective ways to maintain healthy eating habits is planning ahead. Creating a meal plan can prevent impulsive grocery purchases that do not align with nutrition goals. Some useful kitchen tools include a good grater, a speed peeler, and a quality chef’s knife. I have found a balance that works for me. Most of the changes I made have been successful, and now I make an effort to cook healthier, less processed foods. I try to eat as healthily as possible, but I also allow myself to eat what I want occasionally, because it is important to enjoy life and not be overly rigid or restrictive.