The guest speakers have provided extra information about nutrition and diet for people affected by cancer but also more specifically for people affected by brain tumours. We have collated the information below and in a resource sheet to download with all the necessary links to trusted resources and validated information. If you missed seeing the webinar live, you can watch the video.
Diet and Nutrition Booklet by The Brain Tumour Charity, UK
The diet and nutrition booklet is at the top of the list here because it is the most comprehensive and relevant to people living with a brain tumour. It explains how diet affects brain tumour treatment, what to eat, what to avoid and how to cope with food-related side-effects of brain tumour treatment. It also answers any questions on special diets such as ketogenic, alkaline, Mediterranean, rainbow or vegan diets as well as intake of superfoods, pomegranates, turmeric, green tea, apricot kernels, vitamin and mineral supplements.
The CanEAT pathway by The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
The CanEAT pathway is a guide to the best nutrition for people with cancer and their carers. It provides many different resources and tools in text and video format such as how to find a dietitian, nutrition fact sheets for different cancer types and nutrition myths fact sheet. It looks like a lot to go through but the PDFs provide great short summaries. For example this fact sheet on neurological cancers (brain and spine).
Dietitians Australia
If you would like individualised advice on your nutrition and diet you can search for a dietitian in your area and find out about options to cover the costs for the consultation via the Dietitians Australia website.
Nutrition for People living with Cancer booklet by The Cancer Council
For general advice on nutrition the ‘Nutrition for People living with Cancer’ booklet from Cancer Council Victoria covers what foods to avoid, nutrition and treatment side effects, meal and snack ideas and a special section for carers.
Sugar and cancer risk
For specific information on sugar and cancer risk, this information sheet from the Cancer Council Australia describes what sugar is, how it is metabolised in our body and why sugar consumption should be limited.
Myth busters – two common questions answered:
Does sugar cause cancer? | Cancer Council
Can eating according to a strict diet or eliminating certain foods cure cancer? | Cancer Council
Therapies based on diet by The Cancer Council Victoria
This document on ‘Therapies based on diet’ from the Cancer Council Victoria website summarises some information on diets as a complementary therapy to other cancer therapies. In short, there is no scientific evidence to go on a special diet that helps to cure cancer. Going on a restricted diet can carry the risk of not getting enough or the right nutrients for your body to work properly.