Why The Ignorant Act?

Since my diagnosis, I have, through direct observation of my own cancer, and talking to cancer survivors, come to the conclusion that diet is an important component is cancer treatment. Since cancer seems to rob you of vital nutrients, and thrive on certain things you eat, and Doctors KNOW this, why aren't knowledgeable nutritionist brought on board to assist a cancer victim, ASAP, after diagnosis? Doctors appear to turn a blind eye to the importance of the value of a dietary change, and what it may, do to assist in treatment. Since up to 40% of cancer patients die of nutrition problems, why the reluctance to feed the person, and NOT the cancer?

Hi, my bro Nat also has stage 4 lung cancer with metastasis to his bones. I also asked the doctor about vitamins and nutritional suppliments and like you I got no response except for taking a multivitamin daily. I have done some research and have changed Nat's diet substantially. The doctors have given Nat Iressa ( a take at home chemo drug) and the doctors stated that the drug starves the cancer cells by robbing them of certain protiens that it needs to grow. Now based on that knowledge it became clearr to me that both the doctor and myself, that nutrition does play a vital part of preventing tumor growth. So why do they ignore the nutritional aspect of the disease, beats me, i guess they are so into the medical aspect that they forget the nutritional, spiritual and humanity concerns that all cancer patients need.


Keep fighting and researching everything about cancer.....knowledge is empowerment...God Bless

Hi Michael,
Where did you get the statistic that 40% of cancer patients die from nutrition problems? I think that oncologists are often too busy with treatments, problems with patients etc. to really give a lot of advice on nutrition. I have colon cancer, and I have had two abdominal operations, and I may have a third soon. I was never told exactly what I should eat, or if I should take supplements etc. I think that if a cancer patient is concerned about diet, they should ask for a referral to a nutritionist. Patients who are on chemo often are given "guidelines" on how to cope with side effects, and advised to eat small frequent meals. I think common sense and a good overall healthy diet benefits everyone.

Hi Laura,
Just wanted to ask if your Brother (Nat) broke out in a rash after starting the Iressa. My Husband (August)broke out all over his face, back and shoulders. The Dr. had him stop the Iressa for one week to see what happens because of this. Did your Brother go through this? Just wondering, trying to find some solution to this problem. The best to you and your Brother. Thanks in advance for you help.

Best regards, Anna

Hi Anna,
Hows hubby doing...I hope he is well. Nat didn't break out in any rash and so far has had no negative reaction to the iressa, thankfully. But Nat also had no reaction to the chemo combo he was on and that chemo didn't work so right now I'm not sure if the Iressa is even working or not. I just keep my fingers crossed and pray everyday...

God Bless you and August.

My mother had stage III lung cancer four years ago. After tumor (5x4 cm^2, in right lung) removed she had "????", a chinese traditional herbal, that helped her.
Now the lung cancer comes again, this time is in the left lung and could not be removed by surgery. She is on Iressa starting from 8/1/05. I do not know the long time side effect of this drug. What is the meaning of that drug can not cure the lung cancer?

Doctor's are taught about 1 hour of Nutrition in medical school. It's not really their fault because they just don't know unless they take their own time to educate themselves about it.

The other falacy is that Drugs are suppose to Cure. The only things that have cured anything are nutrients. (eg. Vit. C cures Scurvy)

I think that people need to educate themselves in order to make the best decisions for their own situation.

That's what I did and I won!

Perhaps this refers to the fact that 40% of cancer patients die from wasting. Not always exactly the same as nutrition problems, but certainly in the ballpark. I have read it a number of times. As well, the American Institute for Cancer Research’s 1997 publication, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, sets out specific guidelines in support of its most dramatic conclusion that “cancer is largely a preventable disease and that [its] incidence can be substantially reduced by means of diet.” (AICR; Executive Summary) Modification of risk by dietary factors can occur at different stages of the cancer process. For example, they may reduce the effects of environmental carcinogens, damage DNA directly or indirectly, and either promote or inhibit the production of cancer. Overall, the report states, “between 30 and 40% of all cases of cancer are preventable by feasible and appropriate diets and by physical activity and the maintenance of appropriate body weight.” Other means to reduce risk would include avoiding tobacco use and limiting exposure to occupational and other environment carcinogens. (ACIR 8-9) Nutrition matters! Still, it is difficult to know whether it matters most as a preventative or whether it is useful as a treatment as well. Also, it is just one of the hideous realities of many cancer journeys that it is so difficult to eat well while undergoing the mainstream therapies. I wrote an article on Nutritional Support During Radiation and Chemotherapy Treatments that is available at http://nutrition-matters.com/articles.html I agree with Julie about the common sense approach to nutrition, but after research and study into the rising prevalence of obesity, I am not so sure that common sense is all that common or easy to practice in an environment designed to push low nutritient quality processed products on everyone. Shed light, not heat! Fern

On 9/12/2003 Julie C. wrote:

Hi Michael, Where did you get the statistic that 40% of cancer patients die from nutrition problems? I think that oncologists are often too busy with treatments, problems with patients etc. to really give a lot of advice on nutrition. I have colon cancer, and I have had two abdominal operations, and I may have a third soon. I was never told exactly what I should eat, or if I should take supplements etc. I think that if a cancer patient is concerned about diet, they should ask for a referral to a nutritionist. Patients who are on chemo often are given "guidelines" on how to cope with side effects, and advised to eat small frequent meals. I think common sense and a good overall healthy diet benefits everyone.