Cancer patients should be extra careful with their diet, as their immune system is weakened during treatment. Eating the wrong foods can put them at risk of serious infections and other health complications. Processed meats such as bacon, sausage, jerky and cold cuts are preserved by salting, smoking or curing and should be avoided. Unpasteurized dairy products such as raw milk and yogurt, and soft cheeses such as brie, can also contain bacteria that can cause serious infections.
Eggs are a nutritious food package but they should be cooked properly to avoid Salmonella bacteria. Dishes containing raw or lightly cooked eggs such as pasta carbonara or hollandaise sauce should be avoided. Milkshakes with raw eggs should also be avoided. Undercooked meat and poultry and raw seafood such as oysters can contain bacteria or viruses that can cause foodborne illnesses.
The minimum internal temperature for cuts of beef, pork, veal and lamb is 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while ground beef should be at least 160 degrees. Poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees, while fish and seafood should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees. Organic foods have not been proven to reduce the risk of cancer or its recurrence. However, soy foods rich in isoflavones may reduce the risk of recurrence in people who have survived breast cancer.
Cancer patients should also limit their intake of foods high in added sugar as they don't offer many nutrients and can replace more nutritious food options. It's important for cancer patients to talk to their doctor about the right nutrition plan during treatment. Eating the right foods can help cancer patients stay healthy and reduce the risk of recurrence.