For cancer, fat’s not where it’s at
Eat whatever you want while you're in treatment?
I’m participating in a cancer rehab study that incorporates exercise with wellness education. It has been really great, and I’m hoping with the results, they will implement a cancer rehab program just like they do with cardiac patients.
Today a nutritionist came in and did a healthy cooking demonstration for us and we were treated to lunch. I really liked that she encouraged us to eat whole foods rather than processed ones. But I took issue with a few points she made. One was the common misnomer, “Oh if you’re in treatment, eat whatever you want. It’s not the time to diet.” To illustrate the fact, one of the recipes/dishes was mac and cheese with extra cheese, milk, butter, etc. It was a real fat-fest and was intended to be that way.
I think this mentality is why chemo suites are stocked with cookies, candy, chips and soda. I know there are certain cancers, like pancreatic, in which keeping weight on is very difficult. Still, I think there are healthier ways to do this than to eat large amounts of sweets, snacks and fatty meats that cause inflammation and do more harm than good.
I’ve never had trouble keeping weight on during treatment; in fact the opposite is true. The steroids they give me with chemo feeds the appetite, and, like many people I know, I’ve gained weight on chemo. I’m always told not to worry about it; they’ll worry if I lose too much weight. But is this really helpful?
According to a recent study, losing weight could prevent one of every six cancer deaths in the United States — more than 90,000 each year. Researchers spent 16 years evaluating 900,000 people who were cancer-free when the study began in 1982. They concluded that excess weight may account for 14 percent of all cancer deaths in men and 20 percent of those in women. This is especially true in breast cancer and reproductive system cancers like ovarian and cervical. Too much body fat can increase estrogen levels in the blood. My particular breast cancer is fed by estrogen. So staying in a healthy weight range is not just for vanity anymore.
Easier said than done, though, as we all know. To be honest, I find I’ve been eating compulsively lately. I feel it’s a way to comfort myself because, let’s face it, having stage IV cancer is no picnic. I’ve always eaten to soothe and numb my feelings. That paired with some mindless TV, and I can wrap myself in a protective womb of temporary denial.
My weight is in the healthy range but I store all my fat in my addominal region. Fat produces estrogen, and belly fat in particular has been linked to breast cancer and other diseases.
On a positive note, I did lose a pound since my weigh-in last week. Perhaps this is due to the extra exercise. I also take a walk daily with my husband Mike, regardless how much I complain of the cold or try to get out of it. As an aside, studies show that regular exercise can prevent breast cancer or its return — and it’s recommended to help reverse fatigue and other side effects of treatment.
So the takeaway? Eating right and exercise is important even during … no especially during treatment. Right now, Mike’s ready to go on that walk. I guess I can’t get out of it. Until next time!!
Sherri says:
Great post, Tami. I agree with you. I think eating healthier makes you feel better too. Kudos on the walking in the cold. I am a wimp in this weather.
Jackie D says:
I know you’re not a big meat fan (or at least that is my impression), but meat is the most nutritionally dense food out there – especially organ meats like liver. You’d have to eat literally several pounds of fruit and vegetables to get the nutrients that are in a few ounces of liver or other offal. I also find that when I eat plenty of nutritionally dense meat and vegetables, I do not get hungry often and don’t feel the urge to snack between meals.
I agree that sugar and refined carbs are pretty bad for anyone to be eating in large quantities, but I had to stand up for the humble, healthy proteins (which aren’t always lean, contrary to conventional wisdom)!
Jackie says:
I always appreciate your post, Tami. You are a trailblazer to approach this subject. I too, have read the research and yes, we need to watch our weight. I have chatted with women who have or had breast cancer and many believe that the environment and “chemicals in the air” is the culprit for all cancers. It seems like people would rather blame an external source for their health care instead of seeing the beauty that perhaps, we can be in chrage of our own health care and life. I say bring on the exercise and healthy eating. Good for you.
tamilb says:
Thanks Jackie D for standing up for carnivores!
I think there are so many diets that warrant appreciation. The key is moderation, in my humble opinion. I do eat fish, eggs and occassionally chicken, and I’ve been known to sneak some red meat from time to time.
Jackie R, how flattering to be called a trailblazer! I can’t take credit for this position; there are lots of us out there who believe our lifestyle affects our health, including cancer. Many are much better at sticking to it than me!
And Sherri, you are no wimp! Anyone raising multiple young children and still taking time to take care of themselves is heroic to me!
Terri da Silva says:
Thanks so much for speaking about this Tami!
It annoys me to no end (as you know) when doctors downplay the role of diet and exercise in healing cancer or preventing a recurrence. I know that daily exercise and healthy eating worked wonders for me and lessened the side effects through treatment.
I read somewhere that they’ve researched the exact amount of exercise that prevents recurrence for each type of cancer… For us breast cancer folks the number was 3 hrs per week. So I make that my goal & break it down into 30 mins/day for 6 out of 7 days of the week. It’s not easy but it’s doable.
So good on you for making exercise a priority!! Thanks for your continued inspiration… – terri
tamilb says:
Terri, you know of what you speak. Thanks for being an example of taking care of yourselves in the face of a chronic disease!
Beth L. Gainer says:
Excellent post, Tami, and a great reminder about the importance of a healthy diet. My oncologist’s office has candy readily available, not a good thing.