Do cancer patients need to abstain from milk?

Is it true that cancer patients who drink milk will "feed" the tumor, causing the tumor to grow rapidly? (Thanh Vinh, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Cancer is a disease characterized by the abnormal growth of cells. They divide uncontrollably and have the ability to invade and destroy normal body cells and tissues.

Cancer cells can appear in one area, then spread to the lymph nodes, causing cancer cells to grow and divide rapidly to other areas, a process called metastasis.

Cancer patients often have anorexia due to the limited ability to connect taste and smell. The taste of iron in the mouth lasts for hours, days, or even months after treatment, leading to anorexia. This negatively affects the recovery process, causing the patient to become malnourished and exhausted. Poor physical condition affects the prognosis and quality of life of the patient.

The goal of nutrition for cancer patients is to improve organ function and quality of life. Providing adequate nutrition helps patients become healthier, respond better to treatment, reduce the risk of infection, and quickly recover their health...

The notion that cancer patients need to abstain from drinking milk is incorrect.

Milk is rich in nutrients and easily absorbed, helping to improve physical condition and prevent malnutrition in cancer patients. This is also a popular drink, with many types to choose from.

Some types of milk specifically for cancer patients have added EPA (an unsaturated fatty acid) which helps with weight gain. Patients should consult a nutritionist to choose the right milk and adjust the dosage.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, milk containing the protein lactoferrin can help reduce unpleasant odor and taste sensations caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Lactoferrin in milk helps improve the taste of cancer patients. Photo: Freepik — Lactoferrin in milk helps improve the taste of cancer patients. Photo: *Freepik*

Essential nutrients such as calcium, protein and vitamin D found in dairy products help reduce osteoporosis in people undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends consuming three cups of skim or low-fat milk per day. These types of milk help maintain a stable weight, reducing the risk of developing cancer due to being overweight or obese.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

Readers ask questions about cancer here for doctors to answer

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