World Cancer Day: Know Expert Insights On How Nutrition Can Play A Key Role In Cancer Prevention & Management

Cancer is the leading cause of deaths in India. According to the National Institure Of Cancer Prevention & Research, India will see an increase of 12% to 18% in cancer cases. Nowadays, due to fast-paced urbanisation, sedentary and lethargic lifestyles as well as poor diet, cancer is largely targeting groups other than elderly. From young adults to older people, Cancer has now become a disease that can attack any age group and mostly without much of a warning (symptoms). What you can do to prevent Cancer is understand what fuels formation of cancer cells and work towards avoiding those mistakes.

What you consume in your body plays a pivitol role in management of any disease. Nutrition plays an role in cancer prevention, with growing evidence suggesting that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer. While no single food can prevent cancer, a combination of nutrient-rich foods, healthy eating patterns, and lifestyle choices significantly contributes to overall health and disease prevention.

What to avoid?

It is no secret that a healthy diet, exercise and mindful practises go a long way for a healthy body. As mentioned above, there is no particular food that can prevent cancer but knowing your local vegetables, fruits and the nutrition they contain can help you fulfill your body's requirement and provide it with the immunity it needs to fight cancerous cells or formation of any such cells.

According to Akshata Chavan, Clinical Dietician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, "Avoid excessive sugar as excessive amounts of sugar will lead to a higher chance of obesity, an established risk of cancer. Fried and Charring Food Cooking with high heat creates the formation of carcinogens like acrylamide in food items such as fried potatoes and grilled meat. Avoid regular consumption of alcohol as alcoholism can cause liver, breast, and esophageal cancer.

What to practice?

Knowing your food is very important. Knowing nutrition, quantity & implementing will help you understand the basic rhythm of your body. That will also help you stay fit and away from any diseases. Eating a nutrient-dense, plant-rich diet and avoiding processed and carcinogenic foods can greatly impact the prevention and treatment of cancer. The right dietary choices are a powerful step toward better health and longevity. According to National Institutes Of Health, "Healthy diets such as the Mediterranean, Veg, Japanese, or a Microbiota-regulating diet, the very low ketogenic diet, have been demonstrated to lower the risk of developing several cancers and reduce the mortality associated with them."

Dr. Akshita suggests certain foods are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect cells from damage and reduce the risk of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane, a compound believed to suppress cancer cell growth. Berries are packed with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to cancer development.

Leafy greens are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and carotenoids, all of which play a role in lowering cancer risk. Additionally, nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats and polyphenols that support overall cell health. Green tea, rich in catechins, has also been linked to cancer prevention due to its powerful antioxidant properties.