Have you been recently diagnosed with stomach cancer? Worried on what to eat and not? Well! Stomach cancer or gastric cancer remains one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide affecting mostly the older males. The stomach is a part of our digestive system responsible for digesting food after mixing it with the stomach fluids. After which the contents of the stomach are passed into the rest of the organs like the small and the large intestines. Gastric cancer can affect the digestive capacity of an individual hindering the absorption of nutrients and minerals into the body. So, Diet for cancer patients needs to be balanced and healthy.

Table of contents:

• Overview of topic
• Information about stomach cancer
• How stomach cancer affect’s one’s diet
• What should you eat if you have stomach cancer?

Information about stomach cancer

Stomach cancer is considered to be the 5th most common neoplasm based on GLOBOCAN 2018 data. It is also considered as the 3rd most deadly cancer. The factors that are associated with incidence and mortality rate of stomach cancer are highly variable and are dependent on factors like diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, and region.
A stomach cancer diagnosis can be a life altering moment in a person’s life. In such a case, maintaining a healthy diet for cancer patient is an important part of treatment. Eating a well-balanced diet pre and post cancer treatment can help you feel better, maintain your strength, and speed up your recovery process. A balanced diet for cancer patient with the right amount of protein,fats, vitamins, calories, and minerals is important to provide strength and heal faster. While it may be difficult to eat, eating the right amount of nutrition is an important part of gastric cancer treatment and recovery.

How stomach cancer affects one’s diet ?

The symptoms of gastric cancer or stomach cancer usually do not show up in the initial stages. But one can experience tremendous weight loss as a symptom of stomach cancer. This is due to a poor appetite or feeling full before finishing a meal. Some other symptoms that may affect the quality of dietary habits include:

• Discomfort and pain in the stomach area
• Feeling nauseated and a tendency to vomit most of the time.
• Passing of blood in vomit or in the stool.
• Heartburn
• Inability to sleep
• Bloated belly due to fluid buildup.

People with stomach cancer commonly observe problems related to eating and digesting food. This is due to various factors like:

• Surgical removal of all or part of the stomach due to cancer.
• Removal of or damage to the secretory glands present in the stomach can also affect the digestion of food.
• Any damage or removal of the sphincter muscles that guards the entry and exit of food into the stomach may also affect the digestion and eating habits.
• Chemotherapy treatments may also alter the taste of your mouth and thus influence diet.
• Loss of appetite is a symptom of cancer itself.
• Your satiety centre is also affected. Also, your stomach may not empty properly which makes you feel full for longer than normal.

Stomach cancer and its treatment can affect a person’s diet in numerous ways. A healthcare team, including a dietitian who is registered, will be always there for you to maintain your nutrition during treatment and deal with any side effects related to the changes in your appetite.

What should you eat if you have stomach cancer?

Numerous research studies have suggested that individuals consuming Western diet were at higher risk for developing gastric cancer. Whereas, individuals consuming close to a Prudent pattern diet were found to be at a reduced risk of cancer. The following dietary factors should be considered if you are diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Avoid eating animal products - Research studies have found that red and processed meats containing nitrite food preservatives are associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer. It has been found that red meat contains high levels of heme iron which increases the risk of gastric cancer. Consume more fruits and vegetables - Fruits and vegetables rich diets are effective in reducing the risk for gastric cancer. Consuming citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and high intakes or serum levels of lycopene have shown anti-cancer effects. This is due to the higher amounts of vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids, and other nutrients that help scavenge the cancer-causing (carcinogens) agents.
Whole grains - Consuming whole grains instead of refined grains that are rich in fibres promote gut motility and gastric emptying and thus keeps the digestive system healthy.
Cut down salty foods - Consuming foods that are higher in salt content can damage the stomach mucosal lining and cause lesions which increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Maintain a healthy body weight- A healthy body weight is an essential factor to keep your body strong and healthy as possible during treatment. Lots of people lose weight as a result of stomach cancer which may further deteriorate the health of an individual if not taken care of. It has also been found that people who are overweight are also at a higher risk of developing stomach cancer.
Coffee consumption- Coffee consumption is also associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. However, many research studies have suggested that coffee is not associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. But regular and high consumption of coffee can increase acid reflux and irritate the stomach.
Higher intakes of dietary selenium - Studies have enumerated a positive role of selenium in gastric cancer. The anti-cancer effects of selenium are attributed to its ability to reduce DNA damage through its anti-oxidative property. It also helps boost your immune system, and destroy cancer cells by neutralizing excess free radicals and protecting the cells from damage. Some good sources of selenium include brown rice, Brazil nuts, and macaroni.
Low dose vitamin supplements- Numerous research studies have provided convincing evidence that Individuals who consume low dose multivitamins are associated with a reduced risk of GC.

Here is a list of foods that you can eat if you are suffering from Stomach cancer.

Fruits	Consume fresh fruits rich in Vitamin C like citrus fruits, tomato and berries. Frozen or canned fruit can also be eaten without heavy syrup/ added sugar,
Vegetables	Fresh seasonal vegetables. Frozen or canned.
Meat	White meat like fish, seafood, poultry can be eaten.
Protein rich foods	Peanut butter, dried peas and beans, almonds, pistachios, walnuts,cashew nuts,eggs, cheese, milk, buttermilk, light or plain yogurt and probiotics are good sources of protein that can be taken by stomach cancer patient
Fats and oils	Butter, margarine, olive oil, mustard oil, salad dressing, mayonnaise, cream.
Desserts	Sugar-free sweets and desserts can be eaten.
Beverages	Water, coffee, tea, broth, artificially sweetened carbonated beverages milk, and soup.

Some Tips for Diet for cancer patient

Keeping a food diary
Maintaining a food diary can help you keep track of foods that may upset your digestion. Make a list of foods that may cause you diarrhoea, sickness or other digestive problems .
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Try avoiding alcohol, and drink it in moderation if at all.  Alcohol may irritate your stomach, contribute to dehydration, and also lowers your immunity. On the other hand it doesn’t provide any beneficial nutrients.
Stay hydrated:
Drink enough water and fluids during your cancer treatment as it helps flush out toxins from your body which may accumulate due to chemotherapy treatment. It also helps prevent dehydration which is a side effect of chemotherapy. Aim to drink at least 2 litres of fluid daily.
Increasing calorie intake:
Stomach cancer can cause a drastic decrease in your body weight and to put on weight one needs to eat food that is high in calories. However, it may be difficult to eat a high calorie diet, so in such a case eating fatty foods is the best way to get concentrated calories. You can try liquid meals for extra calories.
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Having a part or all of your stomach removed during the surgery means you can't absorb enough from the diet which you are taking. To fulfill the requirements of your body you may need to take injections of vitamins like Vitamin B12, your doctor may also advise you to take extra calcium, vitamin D, Vitamin C, and iron.
Seeing a dietician
A registered dietician will be allowed to take care of you during your treatment procedure. Try consulting your dietitian to get support and advice on your cancer diet plan. In order to get through the treatment and maintain a healthy weight and strong body. It's necessary for you to see your dietitian regularly. Ask them if you have any queries regarding the diet for cancer patient or anything else.
Summary:
The role of diet in gastric cancer needs further research. Although numerous research studies have shown that patients who consumed diets rich in animal fat and protein, and nitrosamines were at a higher risk of developing gastric cancer compared to those who consumed high amounts of vegetables, fruits, nuts and dairy products. Sometimes, problems with eating can cause a lot of distress and anxiety. In such cases looking for emotional support and getting one can play a great role in your recovery process.

The role of diet in gastric cancer needs further research. Although numerous research studies have shown that patients who consumed diets rich in animal fat and protein, and nitrosamines were at a higher risk of developing gastric cancer compared to those who consumed high amounts of vegetables, fruits, nuts and dairy products. Sometimes, problems with eating can cause a lot of distress and anxiety. In such cases looking for emotional support and getting one can play a great role in your recovery process.

References:

Rawla P, Barsouk A. Epidemiology of gastric cancer: global trends, risk factors and prevention. Prz Gastroenterol. 2019;14(1):26-38. doi:10.5114/pg.2018.80001