A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for good health. How does diet affect your risk for cancer? Find out by taking this quiz, based in part on information from the American Cancer Society (ACS).
1. Eating 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day may lower your cancer risk.
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Eating enough fruits and vegetables may help prevent several types of cancer. These include cancers of the mouth and pharynx, esophagus, stomach, colon-rectum, larynx, lung, ovary, bladder, and kidney.
2. Eating red meat won't raise your cancer risk.
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Limiting how much red meat and other high-fat animal products you eat may lower your risk for certain cancers. Several studies have linked eating red meat to colorectal cancer.
3. People who eat foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and carotenoids may lower their cancer risk.
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Vitamin C, vitamin A, and carotenoids are antioxidants. People who get these antioxidants by taking dietary supplements do not get the same protection. To prevent cancer, it's best to get antioxidants from foods such as fruits and vegetables.
4. Limiting how much preserved meat you eat may lower your cancer risk.
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The ACS says that eating large amounts of preserved meats such as lunch meat, ham, and hot dogs may raise the risk for colorectal and stomach cancers.
5. Eating plenty of fiber is good for your heart, but it may not protect you against cancer.
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The ACS says that more studies are needed to see if dietary fiber can help prevent cancer. Fiber is found in grains such as breads and cereals. It's also found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Dietary fiber does lower your cholesterol levels. Lower cholesterol levels cut your risk for heart disease.
6. Eating lots of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower may lower your cancer risk.
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Cruciferous vegetables are related to the cabbage family. Other cruciferous vegetables are Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Eating these vegetables may lower your risk for colorectal cancer.
7. Using artificial sweeteners can raise your cancer risk.
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This hasn't been proved, the ACS says.
8. Drinking red wine can lower your cancer risk.
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Drinking red wine and other alcoholic beverages may lower your risk for heart disease. But alcohol raises the risk for cancers of the mouth, esophagus, liver, and breast, the ACS says.
General Nutrition Guidelines During Cancer Treatment
You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals.
Good nutrition is important even before cancer treatment begins. The main goal is to try to keep your weight constant while eating as many healthy nutrients as possible. Read on to learn more.
