These foods will help you feel stronger and more energetic during endometrial cancer treatment.
The main treatments for endometrial (uterine) cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. While dietary changes won't stop or reverse endometrial cancer, it can help you feel better while you’re going through treatment.
"Cancer and its treatments can cause … symptoms that affect appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption," says Danielle L. Baham, RD, a senior dietitian in supportive oncology and survivorship at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento, California. "Nutrition plays a key role in treatment tolerance, recovery, and quality of life."
Nutritious foods are no replacement for the cancer treatments that an oncologist and other members of your healthcare team prescribe. But research suggests that a well-balanced diet high in healthy fats, protein, and vegetables, and low in sugar and inflammatory foods (such as red and processed meats) may lead to a better outcome, including an improved chance of survival.
"Patients [who are] undergoing active treatment may need more calories than usual, especially calories from protein," says Amanda Celone, RD, an outpatient oncology dietitian at Yale New Haven Health and Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in sugar than other types of yogurt. It's also a good source of calcium to keep bones strong. And yogurt contains beneficial bacteria called probiotics for healthy and regular bowel movements.
Each 5.5 ounce (oz) container of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt contains 16 grams (g) of protein, 173 milligrams (mg) of calcium, and other nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus. Because Greek yogurt is typically low in lactose (or you can buy lactose-free varieties), it shouldn't make diarrhea from cancer treatments worse.
Nut butter (like peanut butter or almond butter) is another great source of protein. Spread it on whole-grain toast, crackers, or apple slices. Or use nut butter (or whole nuts like walnuts or sliced almonds) as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, or cereal. It adds fiber, too. Many nuts, like walnuts, have additional anti-inflammatory effects in the body, says Baham. When buying nut butters, read the ingredients list to make sure it doesn’t contain added sugars.
Broccoli, as well as other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, are rich in phytonutrients — plant compounds with numerous health benefits. One of the specific phytonutrients they contain, isothiocyanates, has anti-inflammatory and DNA repairing properties, says Baham. Another phytochemical, sulforaphane, may help fight cancer.
Broccoli is also high in fiber (which prevents constipation from cancer treatment), as well as folate, carotenoids, and vitamin C, says Baham.
Researchers have investigated flaxseeds and their influence on breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other cancer types. Studies on these nutrient-rich seeds of the flax plant have often focused on alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) — a type of omega-3 fatty acid — and lignans, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research on flaxseeds have shown mixed results, and more human studies are needed.
In addition to these health-promoting fatty acids, flaxseeds are full of insoluble and soluble fiber — 23 g in each 3.5 oz serving. Adding them to your diet can help prevent constipation. "Ground flaxseeds can easily be mixed into things like yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies," suggests Celone.
High fiber foods also reduce the risk of being overweight or having obesity, which could lower your risk of cancer in the future. A study of endometrial cancer patients found that those who gained weight during treatment follow-up had an increased risk of cancer recurrence compared with those who did not gain weight.
Oatmeal is one of the easiest foods for people with cancer to tolerate. Its bland taste makes it go down easy when nausea is an issue (although you can add a dash of cinnamon or a teaspoon of honey for a bit of sweetness). The type of fiber that oatmeal contains, beta-glucan, is good for managing both diarrhea and constipation, which are common side effects of cancer treatments. Beta-glucans are also known for increasing immune system activity.
Fortified oatmeal cereal contains nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
These edible soybeans contain isoflavones, plant chemicals that have estrogen-like effects in the body. Some research suggests that the isoflavones found in whole soy foods such as edamame might protect against cancer. Whether this means that women who've already been diagnosed with endometrial cancer will have a lower risk of recurrence if they eat soy isn't known.
Skinless chicken breast is a good source of protein with 32 g per 3.5 oz serving.
Just make sure that the chicken is fully cooked to prevent foodborne illness. The inside shouldn't be pink, and a food thermometer placed in the center of the breast should register 165 degrees F.
Drinking enough fluid is important to prevent dehydration, especially when cancer treatment causes diarrhea. If you can't get enough hydration from water alone, there are other options.
"Try flavoring water to make it more appealing, or eating hydrating foods such as fruit or popsicles," suggests Celone. Prune, apple, and orange juice may also ease constipation, whether you drink it or eat it frozen as a popsicle.
Applesauce is a good food to keep in the pantry during cancer treatment. Apples are a source of insoluble fiber. Applesauce is easier to swallow than whole apples or other foods if sores from chemotherapy are causing mouth pain. It's also easy on the digestive tract, which is helpful when you have nausea or diarrhea, says Celone.
A healthy diet isn't a treatment for endometrial cancer, but it can help you keep up your strength and better tolerate cancer treatments.
Bland, high-fiber foods like oatmeal and applesauce can help with nausea and diarrhea.
Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are useful for preventing constipation.
Chicken, nut butter, and Greek yogurt are good sources of protein to maintain strength.
