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What you eat plays a major factor in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. A healthy diet can lower your cancer risk, keep you strong during treatment, and aid your recovery.

Your dietary needs may change depending on the stage of your cancer journey.

Read on to learn how nutrition aids cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery.

How Nutrition Affects Cancer Risk

Many things can affect your cancer risk, from genetics to environmental and lifestyle factors. Your diet is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that can contribute to cancer risk.

A 2024 study in the journal Cancer examined the link between lifestyle factors and cancer cases and deaths. It found that lifestyle factors contribute to 42% of cancer cases and about 45% of cancer deaths among American adults.

Obesity is a major risk factor for cancer, and poor diet can cause obesity. The study in Cancer listed excess body weight as the second-leading lifestyle-related cancer risk factor, behind only smoking.

Some dietary factors also contribute to a higher cancer risk, including:

• Alcohol consumption.
• Not enough consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Too much consumption of red meat, processed meat, added sugars, highly processed foods, and refined grains.

Foods to lower your cancer risk

The American Institute for Cancer Research notes that no food can prevent cancer. However, a balanced, healthy diet can help lower your cancer risk.

One good start is to follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, compiled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Foods that may help reduce your cancer risk include:

• Fruits and vegetables — You should have a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. And don’t be afraid to mix it up. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends whole fruits in a variety of colors and a variety of vegetable types, from beans and legumes to dark, leafy greens.
• Lean proteins — If you’re eating meat, opt for skinless poultry and fish instead of red and processed meats. Plant-based proteins are also good options — beans and legumes, nuts, tofu, and more.
• Low-fat or nonfat dairy — Drink skim or 1% milk and choose low-fat or nonfat yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
• Whole grains — You should make sure at least half if not more of your grains are whole grains. Examples include whole-wheat bread and pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and much more.

You should avoid or limit:

• Added sugars.
• Alcohol.
• Highly processed foods.
• Red meat and processed meats.

Also, remember to stay active. The ACS recommends at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week (or a combination of the two).

Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

Just as nutrition can play a role in lowering cancer risk, it also can help you maintain strength through treatment. A healthy diet can help cancer patients cope with the side effects of treatment, according to the ACS. It also can help prevent tissue breakdown.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cancer treatment may cause eating-related problems like:

• Change of smell and/or taste.
• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Dry mouth.
• Fluid retention.
• High blood sugar.
• Lactose intolerance.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mouth and throat soreness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Weight loss or gain.

Any cancer can cause eating-related problems, but people with cancers involving the digestive system may face particular challenges. Malnutrition is a common concern for many cancer patients who struggle to eat during treatment. It can cause a condition called cancer cachexia, which can lead to weakness and loss of fat, muscle, and weight.

Foods to eat during cancer treatment

Many of the food types recommended for limiting cancer risk are also recommended during cancer treatment. However, the NCI says cancer patients may need more calories and protein to avoid malnutrition and cope with side effects. That may include more lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, fats, and plant-based proteins, the NCI says.

Cancer patients should continue to avoid red and processed meats, added sugars, and processed foods.

Working with a nutritionist can help you develop a nutrition plan that works for you during cancer treatment. Because of treatment side effects, you may also need to lean on loved ones for help with buying and preparing meals.

Nutrition During Cancer Recovery

A healthy diet can help cancer patients recover after treatment. Eating healthy after treatment can help patients:

• Feel better overall.
• Rebuild lost tissue such as fat and muscle.
• Regain the weight they lost during treatment.
• Regain their strength.

Many of the eating problems that people experience during cancer treatment go away after treatment ends. According to the NCI, side effects like weight loss and loss of taste and smell may linger into the recovery period.

Many of the foods recommended to lower your cancer risk are also recommended during recovery. Those include:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Lean proteins.
• Low-fat and nonfat dairy.
• Whole grains.

As always, you should limit red and processed meats, processed foods, and sugary foods and drinks. You also should avoid or limit alcohol.

For tips on what to eat after cancer treatment, talk to your cancer care team.

Can diet prevent cancer recurrence?

Nutrition alone cannot keep cancer from returning. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nonfat or low-fat dairy. Those foods have many health benefits and can help you live a healthy life.

Along with eating healthy, you should exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and get follow-up care from your cancer team. These steps can help ensure you’re recovering well after cancer treatment.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in western Pennsylvania. And, with over 70 locations, our compassionate, comprehensive cancer care is always close to home. For more information, visit our website.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 8, 2025, and was last reviewed on August 6, 2025.