Nutrition and cancer: practical advice for prevention and therapeutic support
The studies are clear: according to the WHO, 30% to 50% of cancers could be prevented by removing the risk factors linked to lifestyle and diet, and even up to 50% for certain types, such as colorectal cancer1.
So how do you combine nutrition and cancer care effectively to give your patients the best possible support?
Drawn from the Simplycure webinar led by Pierre Van Vlodorp, this article helps you build a personalised nutritional strategy that is clear and ready to apply from your next consultations.
Why does nutrition belong in the follow-up of patients with cancer?
In Belgium, there are around 180 new cancer cases every day, close to one case every 8 minutes. Incidence has risen by more than 40% in 25 years2. This growing burden makes it a major public health issue.
The vast majority of cancers are not a genetic inevitability: only 5% to 10% are linked to inherited mutations, with the rest attributed to environmental and lifestyle factors3. That puts diet and lifestyle back at the heart of prevention.
Another key figure: close to 50% of diagnosed cancers are hormone-dependent, notably breast and prostate4. For these profiles, the plate can become a direct lever, through the management of inflammation, weight and hormonal modulation.
For the practitioner, these findings are a reminder that nutrition should not be thought of as an “add-on”, but as a structural pillar of preventive and post-cancer follow-up.
The pillars of an anti-cancer diet
An anti-cancer diet rests on two complementary axes: favouring protective foods rich in bioactive compounds, and cutting back those that sustain inflammation and cell proliferation.
1. Favour a varied, colourful, plant-rich plate
To help them find their bearings, explain to your patients that each fruit or vegetable colour reflects a different set of molecules (pigments, antioxidants). The more colourful the plate, the wider the spectrum of protective mechanisms it covers.
Food family
Concrete examples
Main protective compounds
Berries
Blueberries, pomegranate, red grapes
Anthocyanins, resveratrol
Brassicas
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, rocket
Sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol
Alliums
Garlic, onion, shallot
Allicin, quercetin
Pulses & wholegrains
Lentils, chickpeas, oats, quinoa
Fibre, microbiota modulation
2. Limit pro-inflammatory foods
In the Simplycure webinar, Pierre Van Vlodorp offers a telling image: a precancerous cell grows like a plant. As long as it receives “fertiliser” (sugar, iron, hormonal excess), it grows more easily. Reducing those inputs amounts to drying out the terrain to slow its progression.
Foods to avoid:
- Processed meats and excess red meat
- Ultra-processed products
- Fast sugars (sugary drinks, pastries, snacks)
- Overall calorie excess (regular overeating)
A closer look at the key nutrients:
NutrientRoleManagementZincCofactor of the P53 protein (DNA repair, apoptosis)15-20 mg/day as citrate or bisglycinate, not exceeding 25 mgVitamin DReduced breast cancer risk, immunomodulation5Target 50-60 ng/ml; 2,000-4,000 IU/day depending on statusOmega-3Anti-inflammatory, strengthens the effect of chemotherapies6Oily fish twice a week or a certified supplement, 1 to 2 g/day of EPA-DHAPolyphenolsAntioxidants, prebiotics, microbiota protectorsWorth recommending: flavodine®, grape polyphenols, blueberry, green tea, turmeric
Field note: The gut microbiota, and the microbiome more broadly, are often unbalanced after treatment. Restoring them gradually is essential to limit inflammation, support immunity and optimise therapeutic responses.
Clinical tip: make sure there is no zinc deficiency, especially in the over-65s. If in doubt, supplement at a low dose where no blood level is available.
Tailoring advice to the patient profile
Clinical case 1: post hormone-dependent cancer (breast, prostate)
Therapeutic goalsRecommendAvoid
- Reduce hormonal load (weight, insulin, xenoestrogens)
- Support liver detoxification
- Prevent recurrence
✅ Brassicas: broccoli, rocket, Brussels sprouts (sulforaphane, I3C)
✅ Ground flaxseed (lignans)
✅ Turmeric (in moderation)
✅ Gentle liver detoxification: DIM, milk thistle, black radish (as a short course)
✅ Recommended products: BrocoProtect®, Physiomance Détox
❌ Excess dairy products
❌ Fast sugars and a high glycaemic index
❌ Regular alcohol
❌ Concentrated phyto-oestrogens without supervision
Clinical case 2: patient on chemotherapy
Therapeutic goalsRecommendAvoid
- Reduce side effects (digestive, immune, fatigue)
- Strengthen immunity and the microbiota
- Optimise treatment without interference
✅ Suitable probiotics: Lactibiane, ProbioFlore®
✅ Protective polyphenols: green tea, blueberry, grape, pomegranate
✅ Mycotherapy: beta-glucans (shiitake, maitake, oyster mushroom, e.g. MycoDefense®)
✅ Supplements: vitamin D (target 50 to 60 ng/mL), omega-3 (1 to 2 g EPA/DHA), magnesium if deficient
❌ Active detoxification on chemotherapy days
❌ Uncontrolled supplementation
❌ Combinations not approved by the treating oncologist
Psychological factors and lifestyle
Nutrition is a major pillar, but on its own it is not always enough. Physical activity, sleep, stress management and emotional support are all complementary levers that shape how well nutritional protocols work.
Here too, certain targeted supplements (melatonin, magnesium, adaptogenic plants, beta-glucans and so on) may reinforce the effect of lifestyle changes and improve treatment tolerance.
FactorIntended effectsConcrete recommendationsPractical notesPhysical activity7
- Reduced risk of recurrence
- Improved immunity and mood
- Reduced inflammation
✅ At least 30 min/day of moderate activity
✅ Post-cancer: gentle activities + gradual strengthening
Offer suitable support: physiotherapist, adapted physical activity coach, return-to-sport groupRestorative sleep
- Immune regulation
- Natural anti-hormonal effect (via melatonin)
- Better treatment tolerance
✅ Regular bedtime, less blue light in the evening
✅ Sublingual melatonin if the problem persists: 1 to 3 mg/day, up to 20 mg depending on the case
Watch for interactions with hormonal or psychotropic treatmentsPsychological and emotional support
- Reduced chronic stress
- Better adherence to the care pathway
- Support for the nervous and immune systems
✅ Individual or group therapy
✅ Meditation, sophrology, hypnosis
✅ Adaptogenic plants: rhodiola, saffron, ashwagandha (e.g. Zenivite®, MinStress®)
Raise the subject at the first consultation
Conclusion
Anti-cancer nutrition is not a “side issue”: it is a central lever to build in from the first conversation. Done well, it gives the patient back a sense of control, improves treatment tolerance and reduces the risk of recurrence.
In practice, a few targeted adjustments (a more colourful plate, better management of pro-inflammatory intakes, a supplement chosen with care) can set a real change of health trajectory in motion.
For the practitioner, the challenge is to turn this evidence into clear, personalised recommendations that are followed up over time.
Want to know how Simplycure can help you support your patients day to day? Contact us!
