After the storm: nutrition after cancer treatment

摘要

For cancer survivors who have completed their active treatment, evidence that a healthy lifestyle can improve chronic illness risk, cancer recurrence, secondary cancers and late and long-term effects of treatment has been increasing. Lifestyle behaviours of cancer survivors are similar to the general population, and they have much to gain from intervention. Obesity has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cancer recurrence and survival, and is associated with poor functioning and quality of life. There are inconsistent results for specific dietary components and risk of cancer recurrence and survival. Micronutrient supplementation is commonly reported among cancer survivors, however there is no conclusive evidence of survival or recurrence benefits with supplementation. Evidence suggests risks of toxicity caused by large doses of certain micronutrients, and possible increases in mortality risk with supplementation. Despite alcohol being a risk factor for the incidence of some cancers, little is known about its impact on cancer survivors after diagnosis. Cancer survivors should be encouraged to follow the general recommendations for cancer prevention as developed by the World Cancer Research Fund. More research is needed which identifies strategies to assist cancer survivors in modifying their lifestyle behaviours to optimise their health.