More than any other subject, I get a lot of e-mail in the PRC mailbox about food. Questions about whether certain foods cause cancer, cure cancer, or make someone sicker or healthier.

Most of these questions we can't help with. The only ones I can refer on to experts are those specific to nutritional support during cancer therapy. In today's oncology practice, patients receiving the highest standard of quality care should be receiving guidance from a registered dietitian or other nutrition specialist who is part of their medical team. If they are not, I always recommend they ask their oncologist for a referral to a qualified individual to provide this support.

There are also some good reference books available on the subject, and "What to Eat If You Have Cancer" is one of them. Editions of this book have been on PRC bookshelves and are always popular with patients.

As nutritionists and educators, authors Keane and Chase stress on the book jacket that malnutrition is a significant impediment to optimum recovery during cancer treatment and their goal is to reduce this risk.

Beginning with a primer on how cancer affects the body nutritionally, the authors then go into detail on body chemistry, vitamins, minerals, lipids, fats, and carbohydrates in enough scientific detail to satisfy the information seeker who needs to understand exactly why nutrition counts.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy each have their own section with an explanation on how the process affects the body (nutrient depletion, nausea, diarrhea, etc), along with diet plans and helpful hints on food preparation. Checklists provided in each section make for an easy way to discuss questions with a patient's nutritional expert.

"What To Eat If You Have Cancer" is not meant to replace expert care, but to help the information-hungry patient who specifically needs to delve into the science behind health & nutrition during illness in more depth than he or she may get with pamphlets. This kind of additional information can reinforce compliance, and encourage a healthy dialogue with the dietitian assigned to their care.

For more information on nutrition during cancer treatment, you can also read the online booklet from the National Cancer Institute, "What To Eat Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment"

Click here to purchase "What To Eat If You Have Cancer" from our bookstore.

For the Content List in this Book, click here.