A cancer diagnosis often leads to questions about what to eat (or not eat); and searching for answers can feel overwhelming — especially if what you hear or read seems contradictory. What, exactly, does it mean to eat well during cancer treatment and recovery? And where can you turn for reputable answers?  The Iris Care Team is here to help you sort through your concerns about food, eating, and cancer. Our team of registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists specialize in cancer care and can help explore commonly asked questions like:  

• “Does sugar feed cancer?” 

• “Are there benefits to eating organic or becoming vegetarian or vegan after cancer?” 

• “Is it okay to have dairy, soy, and/or alcohol?”  

Chat with an Iris oncology nurse to ask questions about nutrition during cancer in a one-on-one setting. Our goal is to meet you where you’re at with the resources and up-to-date facts you need to make confident, informed choices about what you put in your body.  

To get started on your nutrition journey, we’ve listed quick answers to the questions you may be wondering. Click on the titles of the breakout articles below for more information about each topic.  

Sugar and cancer: what you need to know 

People living with cancer sometimes wonder whether they need to avoid sugar; maybe even thinking that sugar “feeds” cancer. But the real answer isn’t as simple as that. Learn more about this and other commonly asked questions — plus gain actionable tips for how you can balance sugar intake in this article. 

Is it necessary to eat all organic? 

Many people wonder if it’s better to eat organic foods after a diagnosis of cancer, but what does the research show? Are there benefits? In this article, we break down what’s known about organic food and cancer; and offer you three important points to consider regardless of the decision you make.   

Do I need to avoid dairy?  

What’s the scoop on milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products and cancer? People sometimes report cutting dairy out of their food intake after a cancer diagnosis — but is this really necessary? This article gives you the latest information so you can decide for yourself.  

Is it okay to eat soy foods: answers to your questions about soy and cancer 

There’s a lot of confusion around whether eating soy is “good” or “bad” if you have cancer. We have the evidence-based answers you need about soy foods and how they impact cancer risk. The bottom line? Soy foods are okay even for people with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. 

Does being vegetarian or vegan help when you have cancer?  

Plant-based eating gets a lot of attention when it comes to cancer prevention, but what do we know about being vegetarian or vegan affecting cancer risk and prognosis? We define these terms, dig into the research, and suggest simple steps you can take whether you choose to eat animal protein or not.  

Is it okay to drink alcohol with cancer? 

“Is it okay to drink alcohol with cancer?” is a question we get asked frequently. Here's what we know about alcohol intake and cancer-specific outcomes. Spoiler alert: Drinking the least amount of alcohol is usually best, and this article shares specific details that can help you and your team discuss what’s best for you, personally.