Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers to affect American women, according to the American Cancer Society. It is a malignant tumor that forms in the breast tissue and can spread to other areas of the body. There are a number of different treatment options for breast cancer, including radiation therapy, which uses high-energy X-rays to destroy the cancer cells. Some women may experience a sore throat or difficulty swallowing from the radiation treatments. Adequate nutrient intake is essential for good health in women battling breast cancer. To help ensure you meet your needs, your doctor may suggest you follow a soft diet when experiencing difficulty swallowing.
Diet Basics
The soft diet for breast cancer radiation is designed to help improve your intake so you meet your nutrient needs. A soft diet eliminates foods that may be difficult to chew and swallow, such as raw fruits, raw vegetables and tough meats. The diet also may limit your intake of foods high in fiber or foods that increase gas, such as broccoli and cabbage. The diet primarily consists of soft cooked fruits and vegetables, refined bread flour products and meats cooked until tender.
Fruits
It is important that you consume adequate amounts of fruit when undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer. This can be difficult if you have problems swallowing and need to follow a soft diet. Nutritious fruits that may be easier to chew and swallow include bananas, avocados, melon, cooked or canned fruits without skins or seeds, oranges or grapefruit without the membranes and applesauce.
Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables are also an important source of nutrients in your diet. Try to continue to include a variety of soft-cooked vegetables to help make sure you meet your needs. Good choices include soft cooked asparagus, carrots, beets, eggplant, summer squash, winter squash, spinach, mushrooms, potatoes without the skin and vegetable juice. In some cases, you may also be able to tolerate some lettuce.
Grains and Starches
To ease digestion, you should primarily consume refined flour grains and starches when following a soft diet. Choices include white bread, refined-flour crackers, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, refined-flour ready-to-eat cereals, hominy, oatmeal, cream of wheat, puffed rice, white rice and refined flour pastas.
Meat and Meat Alternatives
Meat and meat alternatives are an important source of protein. Protein in foods help support immune health and also make up an important part of your diet plan. Meats should be cooked tender to make chewing and swallowing easier. Good choices include stewed, roasted or baked meats or poultry, eggs, soft cooked fish without bones and creamy peanut butter.
Dairy Products
Dairy products also provide protein in addition to calcium and vitamin D. You should be able to tolerate most dairy products on your diet, including milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. You should avoid any products with added nuts or seeds.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils can act as an important source of calories if your intake is poor. Good choices on a soft diet include butter, margarine, oil, mayonnaise, sour cream and commercial French dressing.
