Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Is there any dietary practice that can help to alleviate lymphedema resulting from cancer surgery (endometrial and colorectal)? It is currently stage one, and I would like to prevent it from getting worse and, hopefully, to reverse the current situtation.

Currently, there has been almost no research evaluating this very good question to help give you an easy answer to your question. It is simply not known if there is one food or dietary supplement that will be the *magic bullet* to preventing lymphedema or preventing its worsening, however, I suspect that possibility is unlikely. Some research (although not all studies agree) has shown that being overweight puts one at increased risk of developing lymphedema in the arm after lymph node dissection with breast cancer surgery. I do not know if that correlation is also seen after the types of surgeries you have had.

However, I always suggest that cancer survivors have a consultation with the Registered Dietitian at their cancer centers or in private practice to assess nutritional needs and suggest dietary changes that take into account an individualized medical history and risk factors in order to optimize all aspects of one's health. Weight control or weight loss if needed is certainly an important part of a sensible approach to optimizing health and quality of life. A Registered Dietitian is an excellent source for both information and motivation toward that important goal.

Sending you best wishes for health, healing, and hope!
Diana Dyer, MS, RD

FAQ posted 8/04

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Nutritional Concerns during Cancer Recovery

	How do you eat in restaurants and still maintain an ultra-healthy diet? posted 12/99
	Do you ever 'CHEAT' on your diet? posted 12/99
	What do you eat for snacks?
	What is your opinion on other books on nutrition and cancer? posted 4/00
	Can one eliminate dairy and meat (but not eggs) and still work with your recommended dietary changes?
	What are your views about sugar for cancer patients? Does it *feed* tumors? Should I avoid it in any form? posted 08/00
	What can be done to relieve the fatigue I am still experiencing since my cancer therapy has been completed? Will any dietary supplements help me? posted 7/01
	Please give me your advice on microwaved food and cancer? posted 2/02
	I have recently heard that Vitamin A may be linked to osteoporosis. I see Vitamin A in nearly everything on food labels, even my soymilk. What is the connection and how much should I be consuming? posted 5/02, updated 2/03
	Will consuming dairy foods increase my risk for ovarian cancer recurring? posted 11/02
	Diana, what are the top 10 - 20 foods that you make sure you eat on a regular basis? posted 12/02
	Diana, What 5 things have you changed in your diet that you think are the most important for enhancing the odds for long-term cancer recovery? posted 12/02
	Do you have diet suggestions for someone who has diarrhea after radiation therapy for rectal cancer? posted 1/04, updated 4/04, 11/04, 5/01
	Is there any diet to alleviate lymphedema resulting from cancer surgery? posted 8/04
	How "strict" do I need to be with my diet? posted 5/05
	What tips do you have to stay on a healthy diet during the holiday season? posted 11/06

 

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