The uterus is the female organ where the fetus grows during pregnancy, and the endometrium is the inner lining of the uterus. Endometrial cancer develops when the cells of the endometrium replicate and grow out of control to form tumors, which can spread throughout your body. If you are trying to prevent endometrial cancer, certain dietary modification may help. If you already have endometrial cancer, nutritional therapy can play a supporting role in maximizing your quality of life and reducing the side effects of medical treatment.
Eat Whole, Unprocessed Foods
There are two types of endometrial cancer. Type 1 is related to the hormone estrogen and type 2 is not. An endometrial cancer diet should be high in whole foods and low or devoid of packaged and highly processed foods. This is important because not only are packaged foods nutritionally depleted, the artificial preservatives and other chemicals found in many processed foods as well as the plastics found in food packaging may increase circulating estrogens.
Eat Organic
You should also eat organic when possible, because the pesticide residue found on many non-organic food items may also increase estrogens in your body. Eating whole, organic foods may be especially important for the prevention and management of type 1 endometrial cancer because OncoLink.org says that women who are exposed to more estrogen, either naturally or from outside sources, are more likely to develop endometrial cancer.
Reduce Unhealthy Fats
According to OncoLink.com, a diet high in animal fats has been implicated as a possible contributor to endometrial cancer. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition recommends limiting your intake of saturated fats, which are found in most animal products, including meat, butter and non-skim dairy products. The school also recommends eliminating trans fats which are found in baked goods and fried and greasy foods because these fats are generally unhealthy and may contribute to heart disease, which is another risk factor for developing endometrial cancer.
Emphasize Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is encouraged, and it may have a small preventive effect for endometrial cancer, says OncoLink.com. If you have endometrial cancer, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will supply you with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients to support your immune system before, during and after cancer treatment. In addition to fruits and vegetables, emphasize whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, legumes and bran because the fiber in these foods will help encourage regular elimination and reduce circulating toxins.
Cold-water Fish and Soy
Cold-water fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support your immune system. CSNN recommends eating two to three servings of cold-water fish a week, and good sources include salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines and tuna. Finally, soy products contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens. OncoLink.com says consuming soy products may decrease your risk for developing endometrial cancer, but further studies need to be performed before this particular recommendation can be made.
References
- OncoLink: Endometrial Cancer: The Basics; Christopher Dolinsky, MD
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; 2008
