THE SCIENCE OF CANCER AND NUTRITION: ANALYZING DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR RISK REDUCTION AND TREATMENT SUPPORT

Authors

  • Lovepreet Singh Research scholar, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India
  • Nishan Singh Professor, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India
  • Sahin Yadav Master Student, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India
  • Manjulisha Rani Sana Sana Master Student, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India
  • Jitendra Kumar Yadav Student Department of Physical Education Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60081/SSHA.3.1(Spl).2025.480-486

Keywords:

Cancer prevention, Nutrition, Cancer, antioxidants, phytochemicals, gut microbiome

Abstract

Purpose - Cancer remains a significant global health issue, with dietary habits playing a crucial role in both its development and progression. This paper looks into explore the relationship between nutrition and cancer risk, exploring the role of dietary patterns on cancer prevention and management. Methods - An in-depth analysis of published studies and medical articles was done to find out how various dietary components influence cancer risk. The research focused on identifying associations between specific nutrients, food groups, and cancer-related mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and immune modulation. Results -It was found that diets high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and refined sugars are strongly linked to increased incidences of colorectal, breast, and other types of cancer. In contrast, plant-based diets rich in antioxidants, fibre, and phytochemicals may help lower cancer risks by reducing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. Key dietary elements like omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and probiotics might also play a role in lowering cancer chances by supporting gut microbiota and strengthening immune defences. Conclusion - Eating a well-rounded and wholesome diet is a promising strategy to reduce cancer risk and support treatment outcomes. The study stresses the need for public health initiatives focused on nutrition education and dietary reforms as integral components of cancer prevention strategies.

Author Biographies

  • Lovepreet Singh, Research scholar, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India

    lovepreetpup2023@gmail.com

  • Nishan Singh , Professor, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India

    drnsdeol@gmail.com

  • Sahin Yadav, Master Student, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India

    syphdpu@gmail.com

  • Manjulisha Rani Sana Sana, Master Student, Department of Physical Education, Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India

    manjulishasana@gmail.com

  • Jitendra Kumar Yadav, Student Department of Physical Education Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab, India

    jitendrayadav5355@gmail.com

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.

American Institute for Cancer Research. (2023). Limit consumption of fast foods and other processed foods that are high in fat, starches, or sugars.

Alissa, E. M., & Ferns, G. A. (2019). Garlic and Cancer Prevention: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Nutrition, 149(2), 99–106.

Bryman, A. (2016). Social research methods (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Baron, J. A., & Weiderpass, E. (2019). Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cancer Prevention and Management. European Journal of Cancer, 118, 64–72.

Block, G., Patterson, B., & Subar, A. (2008). Fruit, vegetables, and cancer prevention: A review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutrition and Cancer, 18(1), 1-29.

Béliveau, R., & Gingras, D. (2007). Role of nutrition in preventing cancer. Canadian Family Physician, 53(11), 1905-1911.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

Chandran, U., McCann, S. E., Zirpoli, G., Gong, Z., Lin, Y., Hong, C. C., ... & Bandera, E. V. (2014). Intake of energy-dense foods, fast foods, sugary drinks, and breast cancer risk in African American and European American women. Nutrition and cancer, 66(7), 1187-1199.

Coussens, L. M., & Werb, Z. (2002). Inflammation and cancer. Nature, 420(6917), 860-867.

Chandran, U., McCann, S. E., Zirpoli, G., Gong, Z., Lin, Y., Hong, C. C., ... & Bandera, E. V. (2014). Intake of energy-dense foods, fast foods, sugary drinks, and breast cancer risk in African American and European American women. Nutrition and cancer, 66(7), 1187-1199.

Divisi, D., Di Tommaso, S., Salvemini, S., Garramone, M., & Crisci, R. (2006). Diet and cancer. Acta Biomedica-Ateneo Parmense, 77(2), 118.

Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Giovannucci, E., Liu, Y., Willett, W. C. (2010). Cancer incidence and mortality rates in relation to diet and lifestyle. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(5), 1520- 1526.

Grosso, G., Micek, A., & Galvano, F. (2017). Dietary Patterns and Risk of Cancer: A Review of Epidemiological Evidence. Current Oncology Reports, 19(4), 21.

Grosso, G., Bella, F., Godos, J., Sciacca, S., Del Rio, D., Ray, S., & Galvano, F. (2017). Possible role of diet in cancer: Systematic review and multiple meta-analyses of dietary patterns, lifestyle, and cancer risk. Nutrients, 9(10), 1047.

Greenwald, P., Clifford, C. K., & Milner, J. A. (2001). Diet and cancer prevention. European journal of cancer, 37(8), 948-965.

Gonzalez, C. A., & Riboli, E. (2006). Diet and cancer prevention: where we are, where we are going. Nutrition and cancer, 56(2), 225-231.

Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92.

Hemmati, M. A., Monemi, M., Asli, S., Mohammadi, S., Foroozanmehr, B., Haghmorad, D.,... & Eslami, M. (2024). Using new technologies to analyze gut microbiota and predict cancer risk. Cells, 13(23), 1987.

Johnson, C. H., & Dejea, C. M. (2022). Nutrition and microbiome interactions in human cancer. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 122(12), 2345-2356.

Johnson, I. T. (2007). Phytochemicals and cancer. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 66(2), 207-215.

Kris-Etherton, P. M., Harris, W. S., & Appel, L. J. (2014). Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: New Recommendations from the American Heart Association. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 34(7), 1–11.

Key, T. J., Schatzkin, A., Willett, W. C., Allen, N. E., Spencer, E. A., & Travis, R. C. (2004). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of cancer. Public health nutrition, 7(1a), 187-200.

Key, T. J., Allen, N. E., Spencer, E. A., & Travis, R. C. (2002). The effect of diet on risk of cancer. The Lancet, 360(9336), 861-868.

Karin, M. (2006). Nuclear factor-κB in cancer development and progression. Nature, 441 (7092), 431-436.

Michels,K.B.(2005).The role of nutrition in cancer development and prevention. International Journal of Cancer, 114(2), 163-165.

Mourouti, N., Panagiotakos, D. B., Kotteas, E. A., & Syrigos, K. N. (2017). Optimizing diet and nutrition for cancer survivors: A review. Maturitas, 105, 33-36.

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2018). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

National Cancer Institute. (2020). Chemicals in meat cooked at high temperatures and cancer risk.

National Research Council. (1982). Diet, nutrition, and cancer. National Academies Press.

Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Rock, C. L., Doyle, C., Demark-Wahnefried, W., Meyerhardt, J., Courneya, K. S., & Schwartz, A. L. (2012). Nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 62(4), 242-274.

Rock, C. L., Thomson, C. A., Gansler, T., Gapstur, S. M., McCullough, M. L., Patel, A. V., & Bandera, E. V. (2012). American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 70(4), 245-271.

Rebersek, M. (2021). Gut microbiome and its role in colorectal cancer. BMC cancer, 21(1), 1325.

Sardas, S. (2003). The role of antioxidants in cancer prevention and treatment. Indoor and Built Environment, 12(6), 401-404.

Schwabe, R. F., & Jobin, C. (2013). The microbiome and cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer, 13(11), 800-812

Steck, S. E., & Murphy, E. A. (2020). Dietary patterns and cancer risk. Nature Reviews Cancer, 20(2), 125-138.

Singh, V. P., Sharma, J., & Garg, G. (2024). Harnessing probiotic foods: Managing cancer through gut health. Food Science and Biotechnology, 33(4), 567-578.

Simon, M. K., & Goes, J. (2013). Dissertation and scholarly research: Recipes for success (2013 ed.). Dissertation Success LLC.

Silverman, D. (2020). Interpreting qualitative data (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Thomson, C. A., & Moser, R. P. (2018). The Role of Fiber in Cancer Prevention. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 21(2), 102–106.

Thomson, C. A., McCullough, M. L., Wertheim, B. C., Chlebowski, R. T., Martinez, M. E., Stefanick, M. L., & Neuhouser, M. L. (2018). Nutrition and physical activity cancer prevention guidelines, cancer risk, and mortality in the Women's Health Initiative. Cancer Prevention Research, 7(1), 42-53.

Vatanparast H, Islam N, Shafiee M, Ramdath DD, Ferlay J, Colombet M, et al (2021). Global diets link environmental sustainability and human health. Public Health Nutr. 2021;12(7528):609–19.

World Health Organization. (2015). Q&A on the carcinogenicity of the consumption of red meat and processed meat.

World Health Organization. Cancer. 2021; Accessed 3 Sept 2021. Available from: .

World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research. Food, nutrition and prevention of cancer: a global perspective. Washington, DC: American Institute for Cancer Research, 1997. 216–51.

Willett, W. C. (2000). Diet and cancer. The oncologist, 5(5), 393-404.

World Medical Association. (2013). World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191–2194. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Yang, I. P., Miao, Z. F., Huang, C. W., Tsai, H. L., Yeh, Y. S., Su, W. C., ... & Wang, J. Y. (2019). High blood sugar levels but not diabetes mellitus significantly enhance oxaliplatin chemoresistance in patients with stage III colorectal cancer receiving adjuvant FOLFOX6 chemotherapy. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, 11, 1758835919866964.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-08

How to Cite

Lovepreet Singh, Nishan Singh, Sahin Yadav, Sana, M. R. S., & Jitendra Kumar Yadav. (2025). THE SCIENCE OF CANCER AND NUTRITION: ANALYZING DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR RISK REDUCTION AND TREATMENT SUPPORT. Sports Science & Health Advances, 3(1), 480-486. https://doi.org/10.60081/SSHA.3.1(Spl).2025.480-486