Renal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer that affects the kidneys and is most often seen in men between the ages of 50 and 70. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the affected kidney and any surrounding tissue where the cancer has spread. There is no specific diet for treating renal cell carcinoma. But eating certain foods may help reduce your risk of recurrence. If you have reduced kidney function because of your cancer or surgery, you may need to restrict your intake of certain foods. Talk to your doctor about your need to restrict your diet.
Vegetables
Nutrient-rich vegetables are an important part of your diet after your diagnosis. A 2008 case-control study published in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" investigated the relationship between diet and risk of renal cell carcinoma. The investigators found that diets high in vegetables offered protection against the disease. All vegetables make healthy choices on your diet plan, including nutrient powerhouses such as broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots and tomatoes. If you have reduced kidney function, you may need to limit your intake of vegetables because of their high potassium content.
Fruits
Fruits contain similar nutrients as vegetables but were not found to be protective in the 2008 study. However, the American Institute of Cancer Research recommends you include a variety of fruits in your diet as well. Healthy choices include melon, berries, oranges, cherries, pineapple and apples. If you have a poor appetite, dried fruits are a more concentrated source of calories and can help you meet your calorie needs without making you feel too full. Like vegetables, fruits are also high in potassium and may need to be restricted if you have a decrease in kidney function.
Whole Grains
Grains are a source of calories and provide your body with energy. To maximize your nutrient intake, make most of your grain choices whole grain. Whole grains are nutrient-rich, providing iron, B vitamins, magnesium, selenium and fiber. Good choices include whole-grain bread, brown rice, oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta.
Protein
You need to make sure you get adequate intake of protein following your surgery to help promote healing and prevent infection. However, high intake of meat has been associated with higher rates of renal cell carcinoma. Instead, choose more plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, nuts and seeds. When including meats in your diet, use it as a side dish to help limit your intake. It also helps if you choose leaner sources, such as poultry and fish.
Dairy Foods
Dairy foods are also a source of protein. Choose low-fat or nonfat products to limit your intake of saturated fat. Healthy choices include 1 percent fat milk, skim milk, nonfat yogurt and low-fat cheese.
Oils
Fat is also an important source of energy, and as a concentrated source of calories can help you meet your needs in a small portion. However, not all fats are cancer-friendly. Foods high in saturated fat, like butter and bacon, can increase your risk of cancer. Instead, choose more plant-based fats such as olive oil, canola oil and vegetables, which may offer protection against cancer.
References
- Medline Plus; Renal Cell Carcinoma; David Dugdale
- HelpGuide.org; Anti-Cancer Diet: Cancer Prevention Nutrition Tips & Cancer Fighting Foods; Maya Paul
- American Institute for Cancer Research: Rediscovering the Joy of Eating
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Food Groups and Renal Cell Carcinoma: Results from a Case-Control Study; Suzanne Dolwick, et al.; September 2008
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