When it comes to fighting cancer of any kind, seeking immediate medical treatment is a priority. But once a treatment plan has been developed, part of your focus should shift to your diet. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is essential for keeping you strong during melanoma treatment. In fact, diet plays such an important role, it's thought to protect against the development of melanoma in the first place.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Although it is not the most common type, it does cause the most deaths in the United States. Melanoma begins in the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment that colors your skin. Although it can occur any place on your body, it tends to develop on the head, neck, lower legs, chest and back. In rare cases, melanoma might also develop on the eyes and internal organs. Although the exact cause of melanoma remains unclear, exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk. If melanoma is detected and treated in its early stages, it can often be completely cured. If detection and treatment do not take place until later stages, melanoma can quickly progress and spread to other areas of the body.
Study: Melanoma and Diet
A study published in the June 2004 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention" identified possible links between melanoma and diet. More than 1,700 people participated in the study, which involved an analysis of occupation, residence, medical history, history of sun exposure, family history of cancer and dietary intake. The findings suggested that increased intake of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, vitamin D and retinol are related to a decreased risk of melanoma. Furthermore, the study found that a reduced risk of melanoma is linked to increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and fish.
Diet As Prevention
To help protect against skin cancer, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a diet rich in anti-oxidants -- specifically vitamins B, C and E, beta-carotene and zinc. Although further research is necessary to determine the exact relationship between anti-oxidants and cancer, current studies suggest anti-oxidants can slow or prevent the development of melanoma and other types of cancer. Foods high in anti-oxidants include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fish. The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends eating your recommended daily allowance of protein, folic acid, monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat to protect against skin cancer.
Diet For Treatment
Once melanoma has been detected, you will likely require surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or some other type of treatment. During this time, your immune system may be compromised, and a healthy diet can help you cope with these effects. During treatment for melanoma, eat a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Additionally, try to avoid foods high in fat and sugar. These types of food can cause internal inflammation, exacerbating the negative side effects of treatment. Although certain types of treatment can decrease your appetite, it's important to eat enough calories and nutrients to maintain your strength.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Melanoma; June 2010
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Melanoma
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention"; Diet and Melanoma in a Case-Control Study; June 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Cancer
- Northern California Melanoma Center: Coping With Melanoma
- National Cancer Institute: Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
