When it comes to diet and cancer, we get confusing messages. The case in point is this report in which Harvard nutrition specialist recommends a high quality, low-calorie diet – i.e., fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high fiber foods and healthy fats.
First, there is a curious omission of protein. Second, he says there is no evidence that a specific diet will affect any type of cancer. Moreover, there are no foods which have an adverse effect on cancer recovery.
So what is his cancer prevention message? Keep your weight in check! If you are overweight, there is a higher chance of developing many cancers, and the studies show that it [excess weight] also affects probability of survival, for those who already have cancer.
Before I make my point, let us recall one interesting incident. According to a controversial World Without Cancer book, sometimes, even well-respected doctors are either not well informed or base their recommendations on hocus-pocus.
In 1964, for instance, Dr. Ian MacDonald, a prominent cancer surgeon, and Dr. Henry Garland, an internationally famous radiologist, “had made national headlines claiming that there was no connection between cigarette smoking and lung cancer.
In an address before the Public Health Section of the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco on July 9, 1964, Dr. Garland had said:
A current widely held hypothesis is that cigarette smoking is causally related to a vast number of different diseases, ranging from cancer to coronary arteriosclerosis. After studying the question for several years, notably in its reported relationship to primary bronchial cancer, it is my considered opinion that the hypothesis is not proven…
Cigarettes in moderation are regarded by many as one of the better tranquilizers… It is likely that obesity is a greater hazard to American health than cigarettes. [bold added for emphasis]
Dr. MacDonald was even more emphatic. In an article in U.S. News & World Report, he was shown with a cigarette in his hand, and is quoted as saying that smoking is “a harmless pastime up to twenty-four cigarettes per day.” And then added: “One could modify an old slogan: A pack a day keeps lung cancer away.” ” [bold added for emphasis]
What is my point? Besides the obvious – obesity causes many adverse health effects including cancer – research shows that your diet does play an important role in cancer prevention, and certain foods can interfere with cancer recovery.
There is credible scientific evidence to support the notion that a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, trans fat, processed foods, and even whole grains – wreaks havoc in your immune system, which in turn, weakens your natural defense against cancer.
I hope it takes less than 30 years until the medical establishment adopts this as dogma.