My aunt has just completed radiation therapy for breast cancer. I've read that dietary fiber is important in preventing certain types of cancer. Should I advise my aunt to increase her dietary fiber to prevent a reoccurrence? If so, which foods are high in fiber?

January is Focus On Fiber Month. Your aunt would benefit from increasing her dietary fiber since fiber binds circulating estrogen, thus reducing levels in the blood. (High serum estrogen levels can promote the growth of tumor cells). Fiber is found only in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grain breads and cereals. (These plant foods also contain beneficial phytochemicals which are also important in fighting cancer).

The National Cancer Institute recommends that Americans eat 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. One of the easiest ways to increase your aunts dietary fiber intake is to include a high-fiber cereal (Raisin Bran, All-Bran, or Fiber One) for breakfast which will provide 5 to 13 grams of fiber per day. Eating high-fiber cereal along with the recommended 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily will provide optimal amounts of dietary fiber.

Like former President George Bush, "I dislike broccoli". I recently read about BroccoSprouts™ which contain the same cancer-fighting nutrient as broccoli. Can you enlighten me on this new food product?

The phyochemical (plant-chemical) sulforaphane found in broccoli, increases the activity of enzymes that inactivates cancer-causing chemicals. Researchers at John Hopkins University developed BroccoSprouts™ which contain as much sulforaphane as 20 ounces of cooked broccoli. Recommended portion size is half-cup and can be used on salads and sandwiches. BroccoSprouts can be found in the produce section of your supermarket.

I have just completed my first cycle of chemotherapy for lung cancer. I have never been a breakfast eater but my wife insists I eat breakfast to keep up my weight during the treatment. I tried commercial nutritional supplements such as Ensure and Boost, but have an aversion to them since my father drank Ensure when he was sick. Any suggestions for a quick shake in the morning for breakfast?

Try a smoothie!!!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie:
1 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla)
1/2 medium banana (may be frozen, if desired)
2 Tsp chocolate syrup
1 Tsp peanut butter
Puree all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass & serve.
Per serving: 360 calories, 13 g fat, 15 g protein, 2.0 g fiber 202 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol
Recipe adapted from "Simply Soy" Cookbook, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.

I've heard a lot about the health benefits of flaxseed. My husband is starting radiation therapy for prostate cancer next week. How could I add it to his diet?

Flaxseed is similar to sesame seed in size and shape and has a nutty flavor. The health benefits of flaxseed come from its omega-3 fatty acid, lignan, and fiber content. For your husband, flaxseed may be beneficial in that its one of the richest food sources of lignan (a phytoestrogen that may act to block cancer for hormone dependent cancers such as prostate). You can find flaxseed at most health food stores. To include flaxseed in your husbands diet mill seeds with a coffee grinder, then add to baked goods or mix into cereal, yogurt or granola. For recipes check out the web site: www.flaxcouncil.ca

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!