{"id":7824,"date":"2025-11-05T16:41:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T16:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.viamedsalud.com\/ivoqa\/?p=7824"},"modified":"2025-11-05T16:41:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T16:41:54","slug":"nutrition-and-cancer-the-key-role-of-diet-before-oncologic-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.viamedsalud.com\/ivoqa\/en\/health-prevention\/nutrition-and-cancer-the-key-role-of-diet-before-oncologic-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutrition and Cancer: The Key Role of Diet Before Oncologic Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a new edition of the series Beyond the Tumor: Answering Questions About Ovarian and Breast Cancer<\/em>, organized by IVOQA and the AMOH Association, Dr. Ana Moreno Collado, specialist in nutritional prehabilitation and palliative care at IVOQA<\/a>, discusses the importance of proper nutrition before oncologic surgery and debunks common myths about the relationship between food and cancer. This approach is an essential part of the multidisciplinary management of oncology patients, where nutritional care is gaining increasing recognition.<\/p>\n

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Why is nutrition important before oncologic surgery?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Nutritional prehabilitation is a strategy designed to optimize the patient\u2019s physical and metabolic condition before surgery. According to Dr. Moreno, good nutrition during this stage:<\/p>\n

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  • Improves postoperative recovery.<\/li>\n
  • Reduces the risk of complications.<\/li>\n
  • Increases tolerance to cancer treatments.<\/li>\n
  • Contributes to the patient\u2019s emotional well-being.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    An adequate nutritional intervention before surgery can even improve long-term oncologic outcomes by strengthening the immune system and reducing surgical metabolic stress.<\/p>\n

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    Myths and facts about diet and cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    During her talk, Dr. Moreno also clarified several widespread misconceptions among patients and families, such as:<\/p>\n

    \u201cThere are no foods that cure cancer or foods that cause cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The specialist emphasizes the importance of individualized diets and professional guidance from oncology nutrition experts. Each patient has specific needs depending on the type of tumor, treatment, and prior nutritional status. Therefore, generic or restrictive diets can be harmful.<\/p>\n

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    A comprehensive approach to patient care<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    This perspective is part of IVOQA\u2019s integrated care model, which combines oncology, nutrition, palliative care, and emotional support to improve the quality of life of people with cancer. Clinical nutrition is considered a therapeutic tool<\/strong>, not a secondary complement, and is integrated from diagnosis through recovery or palliative treatment. Dr. Moreno highlights that nutrition plays a therapeutic, not merely supportive, role.<\/p>\n

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition and Cancer Before Surgery<\/h2>\n
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    What is nutritional prehabilitation?<\/div>\n
    It is a pre-surgical nutritional preparation aimed at optimizing the patient\u2019s condition to improve recovery and treatment tolerance.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Is it advisable to follow a diet before oncologic surgery?<\/div>\n
    Not without supervision. Restrictive diets can weaken the patient. The ideal approach is a personalized nutrition plan supervised by a specialized professional.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Can good nutrition improve cancer treatment outcomes?<\/div>\n
    Yes. Proper nutrition helps the body better tolerate surgery and chemotherapy and can reduce postoperative complications.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Are there foods that cure or cause cancer?<\/div>\n
    No. There are no miracle foods or direct causes of cancer. The key is maintaining a balanced diet tailored to each individual case.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    Where can I find oncologic nutrition counseling?<\/div>\n
    At centers like IVOQA, which offer comprehensive care that includes nutritional support as an integral part of cancer treatment.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    The information provided here is for general educational purposes and should not replace individualized medical advice.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n