Pancreatic cancer has a strong association with lifestyle, prompting the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute of Cancer Research in 2007 to estimate that 41% of pancreatic cancers can be prevented with a healthy body weight, better food, correct nutrition and regular physical activity.

Cancer

Cancer

Oncology Dietitian, Tara Whyand, gives us her most up to date tips on how to do this.

  1. Eat more foods containing selenium like nuts, oysters, liver, sunflower seeds and fish, and if you have a blood test that shows you are deficient, take a selenium containing supplement.
  2. Eat more fruit, particularly citrus fruits, berries and melon as these are rich in fibre, flavonoids and carotenoids and are associated with a lower risk of pancreatic cancer.
  3. Eat more dark green and deep yellow vegetables, tomatoes, beans and peas which have also been associated with lower risk because for similar reasons. Dark green leafy vegetables are also helpful due to their folate content.
  4. Eat more wholegrains such as quinoa, spelt, oats, buckwheat and brown rice, not just for their fibre content, but they also contain B vitamins and minerals, including selenium.
  5. Limit red meat intake to 500g cooked (750g uncooked) per week. Try to eat fresh cuts, or homemade items made from mince rather than preserved, processed red meat. Make sure it's cooked at moderate heat e.g. gentle grilling stewing or by only finishing on the BBQ, as this is better than pan-frying or broiling red meat.
  6. Eat more turmeric spice because it contains an active dietary compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help control pancreatic cancer risk factors such as diabetes and pancreatitis. Curcumin may also interfere with pancreatic cancer pathways.
  7. Eat fish regularly and include at least one oily fish per week for their polyunsaturated oils.
  8. Cancer Research UK estimates one in 10 pancreatic cancer cases are caused by being over-weight. Having too much fat, especially around the middle, also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Keep to a healthy weight by balancing energy intake with energy expended.
  9. There may be a link between drinking green tea on a regular basis and management of pancreatic cancer risk factors such as diabetes and pancreatitis.
  10. Limiting alcohol intake will also reduce the risk of pancreatitis. Women should have no more than 2-3 units a day, men 3-4, and it is a good idea to leave 2 days per week without.

Although not involved in nutrition, Cancer Research UK estimate 1 in 3 pancreatic cancer cases are caused by smoking, so needless to say, don't smoke or inhale other people's!

ProfBiotics Pancreas capsules contain Selenium, Curcumin and Green Tea which are designed for pancreatic wellbeing and can be taken as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

ProfBiotics Pancreas is priced at RRP £29.50 and is available from profbiotics.com or by calling 020 7193 8838.

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