Nutrition Awareness Month: The Role of Diet in Cancer Care

The month of March marks Nutrition Awareness Month, and for patients with cancer, diet influences prevention, treatment outcomes, and long-term survivorship. While the link between nutrition and cancer is well-established, new research and tailored strategies are transforming how oncologists and patients approach dietary habits.

Marleen I. Meyers, MD, a breast medical oncologist at NYU Langone Health, emphasizes that nutrition strategies must align with a patient’s treatment phase. During active treatment, adverse events like nausea, taste changes, and appetite loss can make eating difficult. In these cases, oncologists may recommend anti-nausea medications, frequent small meals instead of large ones, and selective food choices to maintain adequate nutrition.

Post-treatment, Meyers explains that the focus shifts to long-term health, including reducing cancer recurrence risk or preventing new cancers through balanced eating habits.

Recent research underscores the growing importance of nutrition in oncology. Obesity and excess weight have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, while highly processed foods may also contribute to higher cancer risk. Many oncologists advocate for a Mediterranean-style diet—rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes while limiting fatty meats and processed foods. This approach not only supports overall health but may also lower cancer risk.

“Nutrition, we have learned in the past many years, is becoming much more important. We know, particularly in some cancers, that obesity, being overweight, can increase the risk of some cancers. We also know that eating too much in the way of highly processed foods can increase the risk,” she states in an interview with Targeted Oncology^TM.

By addressing dietary needs at each stage—from active treatment to survivorship—healthcare providers can help patients optimize their well-being and improve outcomes.

Learn more about Nutrition Awareness Month through additional insights from Meyers in this month's special report titled, “Nutrition Is Crucial”: Enhancing Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Through Dietary Strategies.