Living with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and navigating a cancer diagnosis can be daunting, but understanding the role of nutrition and exercise in managing these challenges can be empowering. Numerous online resources and articles delve into the benefits of nutrition for individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome and those undergoing cancer treatment. These resources often highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support overall health and bolster the body’s ability to combat cancer and its associated complications. From evidence-based dietary guidelines to personal accounts of individuals finding relief through dietary interventions, these resources offer valuable insights and practical tips for optimizing nutrition as part of a holistic approach to managing Li-Fraumeni syndrome and cancer.
Nutrition
- The Effect of Healthy Habits for Young People with a Genetic Cancer Risk –A recent study examined how diet and exercise habits impact the well-being of young people with a high genetic risk of cancer, such as those with LFS, to determine behavioral interventions that will improve their quality of life. Published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine, the study found that adopting healthy behaviors empowers individuals to take control of their health and positively affects their mental well-being. Adolescents and young adults with LFS who used active coping strategies tended to eat more fruits and vegetables, while increased physical activity was linked to better psychological health. These findings underscore the vital importance of supporting young people with LFS in maintaining healthy lifestyles to enhance their overall well-being.
- Targeting cancer with food: Maybe with more research, one day we will be able to target cancers with specific nutrients from our foods. Until then, avoid malnutrition by eating healthy and staying physically active. Certainly, ask your doctor if your condition (or any treatment you are receiving) has resulted in poorly absorbed nutrients, and ask if you should take any vitamin supplements. If your exposure to the sun is limited, consider D3 vitamin supplements, but check with your doctor. Meanwhile, eat well washed fresh vegetables (include vegetables in a variety of colors as well as dark leafy greens) and fruit, along with whole grains, nuts & seeds, legumes, fish, and the healthy oils, such as olive and coconut. Avoid trans fats, red meats & deli meats, refined sugars & flours, minimizing processed and chemically preserved foods such as boxed cereals & margarines, white breads & cakes, and other artificially flavored & colored foods, to include soda pops & carbonated tonics – eat as organic as possible. Avoid over cooked & charcoal blackened foods and limit alcohol drinks. Be aware of food storage and its exposure to toxins in the air and other contaminants. Avoid microwaving food stored in plastic – use glass containers for food storage and beverages, as practicable. Some studies have suggested that the spice turmeric may help calm cellular inflammation, but more research is needed on this, as well.
- In June 2015, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Dr. Walter Willett provided a webinar for the LFS Association entitled: Nutrition and Cancer.
- Insights: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has offered some simple infographic tips on healthy eating cancer patients.
- Though we know having LFS greatly increases the risks of women developing breast cancer, Dr. Karin Michels’ published research discusses the diet (and chronic inflammation) and the increased risk of developing early onset breast cancer.
- DFCI’s Insight: “What Should I Eat During Cancer Treatment?” The Harvard School of Public Health proposes some eating tips worthy of attention – not only what foods to eat, and how much, but they also provide guidance on food safety, such as cleanliness, presentation, storage, and even potentially safe(r) growth methods.
- Sabrina Fuoco has been relentless with her fight against multiple cancers for the past 30 years. She shares her story of LFS, her love of life, and her love of food. Read how Ms. Fuoco has incorporated healthy eating into her very busy and productive life. (Toronto Star)
- Ohio State University’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science: Hope grows for cancer survivors. Colleen Spees, PhD, Med, RDN, FAND, discusses LFS in her family, and how important environmental factors, and diet, are in influencing cancer risks.
- Protein 101: are you getting enough protein? Are you ingesting “complete” proteins? MD Anderson recommends plant proteins, over animal proteins.
- Cure magazine: “You are what you eat…” “A Recipe for Cancer Recovery:” Khevin Barnes writes about how his relationship with food had changed since being a cancer survivor – “Cancer has no definitive markers, no dependable parameters to allow us to formulate our future, and so we are left to find our own, often simple therapies to combat our disease.” Unlike genes, “chance,” and some environmental exposures, food choices can be controlled – read how Khevin has incorporated healthy choices in his diet with greens, spices, and a juicer.
- AICR’s Foods that Fight Cancer: See their list and learn what research is saying about the potential role of certain foods in cancer protection – you’ll also find links to other recent AICR articles, cooking tips, recipes and more.
- NBC News: Could Too Much Citrus Cause Skin Cancer? “Just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it can’t contain lots of very toxic substances,” advises Dr. Walter Willett. Although much more research is needed, here’s an interesting article regarding orange juice and grapefruits and the potential for increasing the risk of melanoma. This supports the old recommendation that people should eat a varied diet and not too much, or too little, of any one thing. “Variety is a good thing to have because it means that you are not likely to miss out on something important and it also means you not likely to miss out on something that is good for you,” Willett said. Still, overwhelmingly, the use of sunscreen remains recommended.
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health: Take Action – How to Reduce Your (Salt) Intake. It is well known that too much salt can contribute to chronic health problems, to include osteoporosis – the amount of calcium lost in urination increases with the amount of salt eaten. Here are some great tips to reduce your intake.
- DFCI’s Insight: What’s the link to diet and melanoma? Here’s a very interesting article on factors that can increase and reduce your risk of the skin cancer.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Insight: 5 foods to help ease nausea through cancer treatment
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute on the top 5 cancer-fighting foods: “The key is color. That is where the phytonutrients, or cancer-fighting properties, can be found.”
- Sugar and cancer – the volume of information can be overwhelming, and sometimes misleading. MD Anderson dietitians explain how sugar impacts your health.
- DCFI’s Insight: Eat better. “… small changes to what we eat can make a big difference” in cancer prevention and survivorship. Watch the webchat – discussion includes managing side effects like nausea, weight loss and weight gain, as well as tips for incorporating more healthy ingredients into an everyday diet.
- DFCI’s Insight: Registered Dietician Stacey Kennedy, MPH, addresses the age-old question, “Does sugar feed cancer?” Read what she has to say about what should be an easy answer.
- Cancer Today: Got tea? Have a cup – it may help reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Drink well during cancer treatment – and beyond! See the video.
- National Public Radio: Getting a “leg up” on health in the “blue zones” of longevity – lifestyles of 5 clusters of centenarians around the world. They move naturally, they wake up with purpose, they eat until they are 80% full, they eat plants and plenty beans, and they have faith. Here are 15 of their eating habits.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute presents Em Biever, MS, RD, LDN, Senior Clinical Dietitian, on “Nutrition Considerations while Living with Gastrointestinal Cancer.”
- DFCI’s Insight: Certainly, speak to your doctor and/or dietician regarding your cancer treatment and nutritional needs, but here’s some clarification on what should be considered in Should Cancer Patients Avoid Fish Oil?
- Magnolia is a meal delivery program provides nourishing meals to households affected by breast cancer for up to two months. Check eligibility, and see if you, or a loved one, lives in area where Magnolia is available (currently available in some areas of New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, etc.)
- Harvard H. Chan School of Public Health’s “Healthy Eating Plate” simplifies healthy eating, and covers deficiencies in other models. (Harvard University, 2011) Now, it is available in 14 more languages!
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: “The key is color. That is where the phytonutrients, or cancer-fighting properties, can be found.”
- Harvard’s Dr. Walter Willett on research regarding diet and cancer risks.
Exercise
- Exercise, and act early on lymphedema after breast cancer treatment – you may be able to reverse this side effect or prevent it from becoming more severe.
- NCI Cancer Topic: Managing Lymphedema – steps can be taken to prevent lymphedema from getting worse.
- Yoga can also help cancer patients and survivors regain control of their bodies. Generally speaking, it is can help maintain balance and coordination just as we age. Read about the numerous benefits of yoga “therapy.” Know that many hospitals offer free yoga classes as part of their Wellness programs for patients while they are in treatment.
- Cure Magazine: With more and more people moving on to cancer survivorship, the concept of cancer rehabilitation has been emerging and a key component in
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Insight: How Exercise Can Help Neuropathy. (July 2014)
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Exercise Your Way Through Neuropathy (March 2014)
- MD Anderson Cancer Center on fitness matters: myths debunked
- Cure on chemobrain: Dr. Serena Wong Discusses Cognitive Dysfunction After Cancer (April 2015). Be patient with yourself, take extra time for tasks, stay active and exercise, and other coping tips are offered.
- Fitness matters. Myths debunked.