We've got the basic weapon to fight cancer but we're not using it!

CANCER. It’s one of those things that each one of us has some direct or indirect relationship with, yet we try to avoid discussing it as much as we can. Most people have met or will meet a cancer patient at some point in their lives. Some forms of cancer touch 1 in every 4 of us directly whether we know it or not.

Caring for someone with cancer is hard and sometimes life-changing but the one thing which unites us all is our determination to fight it. To beat it. To win the war against it.

The medical and clinical research around treating cancer knows no end. There isn’t a lab or scientist in this field that doesn’t work as hard as they possibly can to finally get the breakthrough required to help us win that fight against cancer. And indeed, some of the medical advances in recent years are extremely significant. New treatment protocols are also being introduced with a greater degree of success.

One of the areas which seem to be taken a lesser priority when it comes to care and treatment of a cancer patient is nutrition. Doctors and medical professionals will discuss in great detail and length the importance of the treatment and various tests and procedures but will not necessarily provide anything meaningful with regards to nutrition and/or physical activity. They will expect the patient to be responsible for those areas, or in some cases rely on external support. Even when directly asked they are most likely to share standard practices and advice.

We all know that a healthy mind requires a healthy body and vice versa. We also know that in order to have a healthy body we need to ensure adequate attention is given to fitness and nutrition. Most of us will engage in some form of structured activity – play football, attend spinning or yoga classes, or frequent the local gym. We will also ensure we maintain a healthy balance of macronutrients, consume some vegetables, eat at least 2 or 3 meals every day and drink plenty of fluid. We may indulge in a take-out from time to time and share a glass of wine, but for most people that would be enough to lead a perfectly healthy and happy life.

When our body in a state of stress – mental, physical or a combination of both, it needs help. Most of us will treat the immediate symptom straight away. If we get a headache, we drink water and take some paracetamol. If our feet hurt, we sit down. When we are hungry, we will eat. All our actions will provide a short-term relief and assist our body to fight that stressful event.

Yet when it comes to helping our body fight its most important and hard war against cancer, we seem to fall short. Most patients will follow their practices and routines through treatment and react to the individual circumstances. If they feel unwell after a treatment they will rest. Back hurts from sitting down for hours during chemo? I’ll just lie down and rest. Feeling nauseous? drink some tea. Digestive issues? Eat more fiber. In isolation these are all legitimate actions which any one of us would probably resort to.

But what about actually dealing with the causes? What about increasing our protein consumption to support the extra work our body has to do as part of its fight? How about ensuring enough magnesium to aid joint recovery? Healthy fats to support various metabolic cycles, which are clearly under stress from the various chemicals we consume throughout treatment? Cancer cells thrive on glucose, so why not reduce sugar consumption? The dawn effect is in full force early morning, so can we skip the cereal at breakfast?

Nutrition is one of the only weapons we have constant access to and can simply employ to support our body through this war. We pull all of the stops to get the best treatment possible and are engaged in endless daily difficulties all in the name of fighting cancer. Why are we not putting similar efforts into utilising the capabilities and means in our disposal to greater effect?! Whilst the clinical experts are working around the clock to better the treatment we get, we can do so much more to ensure that we can enjoy the fruits of their hard labour.

Changing just a few of our physical and nutrition habits can be game-changing. And those are changes we CAN make. Changes we CAN affect. Changes we CAN understand. We CAN win this fight, but we must help our body through it, and it starts with nutrition.

A few simple changes we can easily make include:

• Increase protein consumption

• Supplement electrolytes (magnesium, potassium, etc)

• Favour healthy fats to sugar and carbs

• Space your meals to suit your daily routine and minimise snacking

• Eat more vegetables instead of another serving of potatoes or pasta

• Drink more water and moderate alcohol and sugary drinks

These simple steps, along with some form of physical activity – structured or not, will give your body the support it needs to fight the most important war on your behalf. It will make you more resilient, give you more energy, support your mental and emotional state throughout this war and ensure your health in maintain to the best of your ability. It’s YOUR fight. It’s YOUR life. It’s in YOUR hands. Grab it and FIGHT!

If you’ve got any questions, just like to know more, or want some advice and support, please feel free to reach out to me. I know I CAN HELP you, and together we can fight this!

me@nc2211.com

@nc2211

Disclaimer - all of the opinions above are my own and are given on the basis of personal expirience only.