ICMR has published 17 dietary guidelines for Indians with an aim to help make informed choices to maintain good health and avoid malnutrition in any form. These guidelines also prevent chronic lifestyle disorders like diabetes, hypertension, IBS etc. From 17 ICMR guidelines, cancer preventive guidelines are as mentioned below.

Guideline 1: Eat a variety of foods to maintain a balanced diet. Plan your meals to include all food groups to make sure you get all essential nutrients in the right proportions.

Guideline 3: Ensure exclusive breast feeding for the first 6 months and continue breast feeding for 2 years and beyond. Breast feeding not only ensures the baby's health but also reduces mothers risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Guideline 6: Eat plenty of vegetables and legumes: Vegetables and legumes are packed with fibre which have cancer preventive effect. Moreover, polyphenols in vegetables boost our immunity thus preventing cancer.

Guideline 7: Use oil/fats in moderation; chose a variety of oilseeds, nuts, nutricerals and legumes to meet daily need of fats and essential fatty acids (EFAs): Fats are essential for overall good health, but in taken in excess quantities has harmful effects. Good quality fats like walnuts and flaxseeds, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids,  when taken in moderation have been proven to have cancer preventive effect.

Guideline 8: Obtain good quality protein and essential amino acids through appropriate food combinations and avoid protein supplements for body building. Natural proteins with high biological value like eggs, milk, and curd are best as they are readily absorbed in our body as compared to synthetic protein powders.

Guideline 9: Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight and overall obesity. Excess body weight or body fat invites a lot of metabolic disorders which if not corrected can lead to cancer.

Guideline 10: Be physically active and exercise regularly to maintain good health. Regular physical activity makes sure our body is functioning in the best possible way. Lack of exercise makes one vulnerable to various metabolic diseases.

Guideline 15: Minimize consumption of high fat, and ultraprocessed foods (UPFs): UPFs are carcinogenic and induce cancer.

Guideline 17: Read information on food labels to make informed and healthy food choices. Reading labels to make sure we are avoiding UPFs and other carcinogenic ingredients is best practice to prevent cancer. 

Purva Sharma

Onco-dietitian

Consultant at Renatus Cancer Centre

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, the immediate focus naturally shifts to scans, oncologists, chemotherapy schedules, and radiation slots. The medical roadmap takes center stage.

But there is an unsung hero working quietly in the background of active recovery—one that you have complete control over every single day right in your kitchen. That hero is nutrition.

As a cancer dietitian, the most common phrase I hear from families is: "We will look into a strict diet once the treatments are over."

But waiting is a mistake. Nutritional care isn't a post-recovery luxury; it is an active, vital part of your cancer treatment. Here is why what you put on your plate during chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation can completely change your healing journey.

1. It Keeps Your Body Strong Enough for Treatment

Cancer treatments are incredibly powerful. They are designed to target rapidly multiplying cancer cells, but in the process, they also take a heavy toll on your healthy cells.

To withstand back-to-back cycles of chemotherapy or weeks of daily radiation, your body requires an immense amount of energy and building blocks (proteins). Proper nutrition acts like fuel for a car on a long, grueling journey. If the fuel tank is empty, the car stalls. This frequently forces oncologists to delay treatment cycles—something every patient wants to avoid.

2. It Preserves Muscle Mass (Fighting Cachexia)

Many people believe that losing weight during cancer is inevitable. However, rapid weight loss during treatment usually means the body is burning its own muscle tissue for energy. This condition is known as cancer cachexia. Losing muscle reduces physical strength, affects mobility, and can even lower immunity. Good nutrition will ensure your muscle mass is intact and thus help in your treatment.

3. It Helps Manage Severe Side Effects

Nausea, mouth ulcers, metallic taste, diarrhea, and constipation are common side effects of cancer therapies. Often, patients stop eating simply because the act of eating becomes painful or unappealing.

Nutrition therapy isn't just about telling you what is healthy; it’s about adapting food to your side effects. Right guidance from an Onco-dietitian will help to increase appetite and reduce the effect of side effects on your diet.

4. It Powers Up Your Immune System

Treatments like chemotherapy temporarily lower your white blood cell count, making your body highly vulnerable to infections. A well-nourished body has a much better defensive shield. Furthermore, during active treatment, food safety becomes just as important as food nutrients.

 Nutrition is not a secondary thought. It is the very foundation that allows your medical treatments to do their job effectively. Every small bite of wholesome, well-tolerated, home-cooked food is a step toward rebuilding a healthy cell, healing a tissue, and giving your body the strength to fight back.

If you or a loved one are navigating cancer treatment, don't guess your way through nutrition or follow restrictive internet trends. Reach out to a qualified oncology dietitian who can map out a personalized, culturally familiar, and side-effect-friendly plate designed specifically for your recovery.

Purva Sharma

Onco-dietitian

Consultant at Renatus Cancer Centre

Monsoon has arrived as a relief after the scorching summer heat. Cold showers and scenic views bring happiness along with them. However, this change in weather from hot and humid to cold and wet also increases the risk of influenza, food poisoning, diarrhea, typhoid, and other infections. For cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation, the risk is even higher due to a weakened immune system.

As the rainy season can affect both immunity and digestion, patients need to be extra careful about what they eat and drink. A healthy diet and good food hygiene play a key role in reducing the risk of infections and supporting recovery during treatment.

Let's look at some monsoon nutrition hacks:

1. The digestive system tends to become weaker during the rainy season, which may lead to flatulence and indigestion. Cancer treatment can further affect digestion. Eating simple, freshly prepared, and easy-to-digest foods is recommended. Moong dal is easily digested and is an excellent choice during this season. Avoid heavy meals rich in fats and excess salt. If consuming meat, ensure it is freshly cooked and well-cooked. Prefer soups and stews instead of rich curries and fried foods.

2. Salty meals can lead to water retention and bloating, which may already be a concern during cancer treatment. Avoid hidden sodium in packaged and processed foods, and opt for freshly prepared home-cooked meals with a moderate amount of salt.

3. A warm concoction of ginger, cinnamon, pepper, and turmeric may help support overall immunity. Add garlic, curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), jeera, and coriander to meals to aid digestion and enhance flavour.

4. Seasonal fruits and vegetables for the win! Ritucharya is an ancient Ayurvedic concept that promotes eating according to the changing seasons. The same principle applies during cancer treatment choose fresh, seasonal produce whenever possible. Vegetables such as bitter gourd (karela), ridge gourd (turai), chawli (flat beans), and French beans, along with fruits like apple, litchi, cherries, jamun, and pineapple, are good seasonal choices. Ensure all fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly before consumption.

5. Hygiene: Good food hygiene is of critical importance during the monsoon, particularly during cancer treatment. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, as they may contain dirt, larvae, or other contaminants. Avoid street foods such as golgappe, vada pav, and chaat. If eating outside is unavoidable, choose restaurants that follow strict hygiene practices and serve freshly prepared food.

6. Gut Health: Include curd, kombucha, and other fermented foods, if tolerated and advised by your healthcare team, to support healthy gut bacteria. Cook food thoroughly to destroy harmful microorganisms. Lightly steam or sauté vegetables before preparing salads to reduce the risk of food-borne infections.

Purva Sharma

Onco-dietitian

Consultant at Renatus Cancer Centre

When navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, your primary focus is naturally on treating the cancer itself. However, an equally important aspect of your long-term health and quality of life is bone health.

Breast cancer treatments can affect bone density, increasing the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures. The good news is that proactive care, appropriate nutrition, physical activity and medical support can help preserve bone strength and maintain mobility.

Why Can Breast Cancer Treatments Affect Bone Health?

Bones are living tissues that constantly break down and rebuild. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining this balance by slowing bone breakdown.

Many breast cancer treatments work by lowering or blocking estrogen to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. However, reduced estrogen levels can also accelerate bone loss.

Key Treatment Factors That Can Contribute to Bone Loss

• Aromatase inhibitors: Medicines such as anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane lower estrogen levels and may accelerate bone loss.

• Ovarian suppression therapy: Reducing ovarian function can lead to an early decline in estrogen levels.

• Chemotherapy: Some treatments can cause premature menopause, increasing the risk of bone loss.

• Steroid medications: Repeated or prolonged use of certain steroids can weaken bones.

Proactive Steps to Safeguard Your Bones

Protecting your bones does not mean waiting for bone loss to occur. It begins with regular monitoring and healthy habits throughout your treatment journey.

1. Get a Baseline DEXA Scan

A Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan measures bone mineral density and helps assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Your oncologist may recommend this scan before starting treatments that can affect bone health, with follow-up scans depending on your risk and treatment plan.

2. Prioritise Bone-Building Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining bone strength during and after cancer treatment.

• Calcium: Include milk, curd, paneer, ragi and other calcium-rich foods in your diet.

• Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium. Your doctor may recommend testing your vitamin D levels and supplementation when needed.

• Protein: Supports bone structure, muscle strength and tissue repair. Include foods such as pulses, beans, dairy products, eggs, fish or other suitable protein sources.

• Magnesium: Found in nuts, seeds and whole grains, magnesium contributes to normal bone health.

For most adults, calcium needs are approximately 1,000–1,200 mg per day, depending on age and individual circumstances. Vitamin D requirements vary. Your healthcare team or oncology nutritionist can help you determine appropriate dietary intake and whether supplements are necessary.

From an onco-nutrition perspective: A balanced, nutrient-dense diet can support bone health, preserve muscle mass and help maintain strength during cancer treatment. Aim to include a variety of calcium-rich foods, adequate protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Avoid taking high-dose calcium or vitamin D supplements without medical advice, as your requirements may vary depending on your blood levels, kidney function and treatment plan.

3. Incorporate Weight-Bearing Exercise

Bones respond to physical activity by maintaining and strengthening their structure. Exercise also supports muscle strength, balance and mobility.

• Weight-bearing activity: Walking, climbing stairs and other suitable activities can help maintain bone health.

• Resistance training: Exercises using resistance bands, light weights or body weight can support muscle and bone strength.

The appropriate type and intensity of exercise depend on your fitness, treatment status and fracture risk. Consult your healthcare team or physiotherapist before beginning a new exercise programe.

4. Understand Medicines That Help Protect Bone Health

When bone loss becomes significant or the risk of fractures increases, your oncologist may recommend medicines that help slow bone breakdown and preserve bone density.

Zoledronic acid

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate administered intravenously. It helps reduce bone breakdown and may be recommended to manage treatment-related bone loss or osteoporosis. In selected patients with breast cancer, it may also be considered as part of adjuvant treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Alendronate

Alendronate is an oral bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk. It helps slow bone breakdown and maintain bone density. It must be taken according to specific instructions to support absorption and minimise irritation of the oesophagus.

Denosumab

Denosumab is a medicine administered by subcutaneous injection. It blocks a protein involved in the activation of cells that break down bone, helping to preserve bone density and reduce fracture risk in appropriate patients.

What should you know?

These medicines are not interchangeable, and the right choice depends on your bone density, fracture risk, cancer treatment, kidney function, other medical conditions and individual needs.

Your doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D support, assessment of dental health and appropriate blood tests before or during treatment. Denosumab should not be stopped or delayed without medical advice because discontinuation can increase the risk of vertebral fractures.

These medicines should only be used under medical supervision. Their role in preserving bone health is different from their role, where applicable, in cancer treatment.

Taking Charge of Your Bone Health

A breast cancer diagnosis can change many aspects of your life, but taking proactive steps to protect your bone health can help support your long-term well-being.

By combining regular monitoring, appropriate nutrition, safe physical activity and medical guidance, you can work towards maintaining stronger bones, better mobility and a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

At Renatus Cancer Centre, we believe that comprehensive cancer care extends beyond cancer treatment to supporting nutrition, physical function and overall well-being. Speak to your oncology team about your bone health and the steps you can take to protect it.

Purva Sharma

Onco-dietitian

Consultant at Renatus Cancer Centre

Navigating meals after a colorectal cancer diagnosis can feel like walking a tightrope. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation deeply impact the digestive tract. Patients frequently experience alternating cycles of diarrhea and constipation, poor appetite, gas, or cramping.

As a cancer dietitian, the golden rule I share with families is: There is no single "magic" cancer diet. A meal that is perfect for a patient recovering from a recent bowel surgery could cause distress to someone undergoing active chemotherapy.

To help you navigate the kitchen with confidence, here are two comforting, traditional Indian recipes—one designed to soothe an easily upset stomach, and another designed to gently ease constipation.

Recipe 1: The Healing Moong Dal & Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Khichdi

Best for: Patients with diarrhea, poor appetite, active chemotherapy cycles, or those recovering from recent bowel surgeries who need low-residue, easily digestible meals.

Bottle gourd (Lauki or Doodhi) is incredibly gentle on the bowel, naturally cooling, and rich in water content. Combined with split yellow moong dal, this dish provides essential protein and electrolytes without overworking a sensitive colon.

Ingredients:

●     ½ cup Split yellow moong dal (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)

●     ½ cup Regular white rice (avoid brown rice during diarrhea or post-surgery)

●     1 cup Bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and finely grated or chopped into tiny cubes

●     1 tbsp Homemade A2 Ghee (lubricates the digestive tract and provides healthy fats)

●     A tiny pinch of Turmeric (Haldi)

●     ½ tsp Cumin seeds (Jeera)

●     Salt to taste (essential for replacing sodium lost during diarrhea)

●     3.5 to 4 cups of water (for a soft, porridge-like consistency)

Instructions:

1.    Heat ghee in a pressure cooker and add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter.

2. Add the turmeric powder and immediately add the chopped lauki. Sauté gently for 1 minute.

3.    Drain the soaked rice and dal, and add them to the cooker. Stir gently to mix.

4. Pour in the water and add salt.

5. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4–5 whistles on medium flame until the rice and dal are completely mushy and soft.

6. Serve warm. You can mash it further with a spoon if the patient has difficulty swallowing or digesting solid foods.

Recipe 2: The Soft Sattu & Oats Rebuilding Porridge

Best for: Patients experiencing post-treatment constipation, or those who have fully healed from surgeries and need a gentle, nutrient-dense protein boost to restore energy.

Do not serve this recipe if the patient has a fresh stoma, active diarrhea, or a partial bowel obstruction.

Roasted chickpea flour (Sattu) is a traditional Indian powerhouse loaded with easily digestible vegetable protein. When paired with well-cooked quick oats, it creates a smooth, fiber-rich porridge that keeps the stool bulky yet soft, preventing painful straining.

Ingredients:

●     3 tbsp Quick-cooking rolled oats

●     2 tbsp Pure Sattu powder (Roasted chickpea flour)

●     1 cup Water

●     1 cup Pasteurized Milk or Plant-based milk (Almond or Soy milk if dairy causes gas)

●     1 small ripe Banana, thoroughly mashed (great for potassium)

●     A small pinch of Cardamom powder (Elaichi) for flavor and digestion

●     1 tsp Jaggery powder or Honey (optional, skip if blood sugar is high)

Instructions:

1.    In a small saucepan, dry roast the quick oats for about 2 minutes on low heat.

2. In a cup, mix the sattu powder with ½ cup of water until it forms a smooth, lump-free slurry.

3. Add the remaining water and milk to the saucepan with the oats and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Slowly pour the sattu slurry into the cooking oats, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

5. Cook on low-medium heat for 4–5 minutes until the porridge thickens and the oats are completely soft and translucent.

6.    Turn off the heat. Stir in the mashed banana, cardamom powder, and sweetening agent.

7. Let it cool slightly to room temperature before serving.

A Note on Personalisation

Because the anatomy of the colon changes significantly based on the location of the tumor and the type of surgery performed, a diet must be tailor-made. Always consult with your medical oncologist and an oncology dietitian before introducing new ingredients to ensure they safely match the patient's current healing timeline.

Purva Sharma

Onco-dietitian

Consultant at Renatus Cancer Centre