Nutrition plays a big role in recovering and sustaining your health after you survive cancer. Although it is not known if a certain diet or specific nutrients can keep cancer from recurring, low-fat diets that emphasize fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk. Some vitamins are antioxidants that have anti-aging and cancer protective properties. However, you should not take dietary supplements to prevent your cancer from recurring without first talking with your doctor.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A and beta carotene, a nutrient that produces vitamin A in your body, play an important role in vision, genetic expression and immune system functioning. Epidemiological studies have suggested a relationship between high consumption of vitamin A and beta carotene and a lower risk of developing cancer. Research by Yi-Ru Jin M.S. published in that "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2007 evaluated the consumption of food and vitamin supplements in lung cancer patients and patients without cancer and discovered that a reduced risk of lung cancer is associated with increased intakes of vitamin A and beta carotene.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant that plays a role in protecting your cells, DNA and RNA from damage by adverse chemicals, toxins, smoke and pollutants. (reference 4) Vitamin C also may reduce your risk for developing cancer. Research by Hamid Reza Feiz, M.D., published in "Nutrition Reviews" in 2002 reports that increases in vitamin C intake is associated with lower risk of stomach cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a role in building and maintaining strong bones, regulating the immune system and cells and preventing cancer, particularly of the prostate, colon, pancreas and skin. Laboratory research indicates that vitamin D may have anti-cancer properties, yet there has not been any human studies which directly demonstrates that taking vitamin D supplements lowers cancer risk. Nonetheless, epidemiological studies show that vitamin D deficiency is associated with cancer. Research by Nicola Napoli, M.D., published in "Breast Journal" in 2010 found that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in breast cancer women.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and DNA from oxidative damage by chemicals and environmental toxins. Vitamin E also protects cells from cancer growth. Higher blood levels of vitamin E are associated with lower risk for pancreatic cancer, according to research by Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, Ph.D., published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2009.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cancer Survivors: Care for Your Body after Treatment
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin A
- PubMed.gov: Intake of Vitamin a-Rich Foods and Lung Cancer Risk in Taiwan: With Special Reference to Garland Chrysanthemum and Sweet Potato Leaf Consumption
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Vitamin C
- PubMed.gov: Does Vitamin C Intake Slow the Progression of Gastric Cancer in Helicobacter Pylori-Infected Populations?
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