Postby ASTEPHENS33 » Sat Jul 07, 2007 2:35 am
SOURCE: Abstract #4019 ASCO 2007 Gastrointestinal (Colorectal) Cancer Poster Display/Discussion Session - Stage III colon cancer patients who followed a "Western diet" with emphasis on red meat, fat, refined grains, and dessert were significantly more likely to have their cancer return that those who reported they ate a "prudent diet" with emphasis on higher intakes of fruit and vegetables, poultry, and fish. Patients whose diet most closely resembled the Western pattern and fell into the fifth quintile were nearly four times more likely to have their cancer return or die within 3 years that those in the first quintile who ate the most prudent pattern foods. Risk of dying or having cancer return was was 3.91 times higher for Western pattern eaters. Recurrence risk was 3.14 times higher.
My weight remained the same during the first four months of chemo and then I put on about 20 lbs. This, I attributed to, a change in metabolism, but it has been about a year since completing and I've put on another 15 pounds. I know I am eating badly - the Western diet - that is described here - so not only am I heavier and have all those "body image" issues to deal with, but now am increasing my risk for a recurrence.