I ATTENDED a talk on cancer on
April 28. The speaker advised cancer patients to drop
chicken, red meat and dairy products from their diet.
He strongly advocates a plant-based diet for cancer
patients.
During the Q&A session, cancer patients were
confused by his dietary advice as most oncologists often
advise them to continue with their normal eating habits.
This reaffirmed the common and longstanding situation
where cancer patients and caregivers are often caught in
a dilemma - not knowing which one is the worthy advice
on nutrition for cancer patients.
I strongly feel that if only cancer patients and
their caregivers are pro-active and willing to do their
own research on cancer diet, I am sure that they will be
able to determine the right kind of cancer diet based on
their personal inclination and needs.
Indeed, there are many books on cancer diet available
at the National Library and lots of reading materials
can also be found on the Internet.
Since the launch of CancerStory.com, I have always
shared my knowledge on the various types of diet
therapies, and leave the choice of healing to the cancer
patients and their caregivers.
On Aug 31 last year, an old classmate broke the sad
news - she contracted third stage lung cancer. I
pondered over the cause of her lung cancer as she is a
non-smoker and a vegetarian for at least 20 years.
In February 2007, one cancer patient regretted for
not heeding advice from her relatives to abstain from
meat when her cancer relapsed. I urged her not to brood
over it as the recurrence of cancer is unlikely to be
caused by consumption of red meat - sharing my
classmate's cancer experience.
The question remains unanswered - are animal-based
products suitable for cancer patients? I would think
that most people will be motivated to change/modify
their eating habits if they know how animals are reared
in the competitive business environment today.
Going for plant-based products may not necessarily be
the best choice if these products are contaminated with
pesticides. One may suggest that the healthier choice is
to go for organic plant-based products.
Cost-constraint is the biggest obstacle to live on
pricey organic products. Do we have certified organic
farms in Singapore? The answer is none.
Hence, consumers must be discerning to know the
difference between pesticides-free products and true
organic products. Organic labels are also not regulated
and verified in Singapore.
Some cancer patients become paranoid about their
diets and put stress on themselves to plan a winning
cancer diet. Remember that nutrition only forms part of
cancer care.
My advice - eat within your means and be comfortable
with your eating habits so that you will enjoy
'healthful and happy" meals. Your dietary therapy is
unique.
Lee Soh Hong (Miss)
Founder, Cancerstory.com