The development of certain conditions like ovarian, blood, lung, prostate, or breast cancer has been linked to the food we eat. While that is not the only cause, and no particular food treats cancer completely, making healthy food choices can drastically reduce the risk of developing cancer. This article provides some details on foods to eat and avoid along with information on (CAR) T-cell therapy to manage various types of cancers.

Foods to avoid

Red meat
Red meat is typically preserved by curing, smoking, salting, or canning. Foods like hot dogs, salami, sausage, ham, and beef jerky are known to create carcinogens that are associated with colorectal and stomach cancer. It is recommended to replace processed meats with white fish, chicken, or turkey.

Alcohol
Alcohol, classified as a group 1 carcinogen, is linked with mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, stomach, and bowel cancer. The risk of cancer varies significantly on the amount and frequency of drinking alcohol. A glass of wine now and then does not have much of a negative effect; however, frequent binge-drinking episodes can increase one’s risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

Refined carbs and sugar
Eating excessive refined carbs and sugar increases visceral fat and makes one susceptible to type 2 diabetes. Avoiding foods like white pasta, white bread, and sugary cereals helps reduce the likelihood of being diagnosed with cancer. These foods cause inflammation and oxidative stress that can increase the risk of ovarian, breast, endometrial, and colorectal cancer.

Foods to eat

Olive oil
Olive oil is rich in oleocanthal, antioxidants, and certain acids that have anti-cancer properties. It penetrates the membrane of cancer cells and makes them inactive or benign. Adding olive oil to salads and other food preparations prevents breast and gastrointestinal cancers.

Garlic
Garlic contains an active compound called allicin that has anti-cancer properties. One study concluded that those who ate allicin-rich vegetables had a lower risk of developing stomach cancer. It is essential to include between two and five grams (or one clove) of garlic in one’s meals daily to reduce cancer risk.

Broccoli
Broccoli has potent anticancer properties. It contains glucosinolates that produce protective enzymes. These flush out harmful chemicals, which lower the risk of breast, prostate, lung, colon, mouth, esophagus, and stomach cancer.

Other treatment options to manage cancer

(CAR) T-cell therapy

The function of the immune system is to keep track of or attack any foreign substances that enter the body. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a method to get white blood cells called T cells, a type of immune system cell, to fight cancer. This is done by genetically modifying genes inside T cells in a lab. These cells, which are grown in a laboratory and given to a patient by infusion, are used to treat certain types of blood cancers.

Ibrutinib (IMBRUVICA)
Ibrutinib, popularly sold under the brand name IMBRUVICA, is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. It is used to treat adults with various forms of leukemia and lymphoma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and other conditions. It works by blocking abnormal protein signaling, destroying cancer cells, and preventing their spread. Ibrutinib is usually available in the form of oral tablets and pills, and is ideally taken once per day.