[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/how-diet-can-contribute-to-better-cancer-treatment-outcomes\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/how-diet-can-contribute-to-better-cancer-treatment-outcomes\/","headline":"How Diet Can Contribute to Better Cancer Treatment Outcomes: 2 RCCA Oncologists Share Insights and Approaches","name":"How Diet Can Contribute to Better Cancer Treatment Outcomes: 2 RCCA Oncologists Share Insights and Approaches","description":"How Diet Can Contribute to Better Cancer Treatment Outcomes: 2 RCCA Oncologists Share Insights and Approaches October 1, 2026 Avishek Kumar, MD, says that while the role of diet in reducing the risk of developing cancer is well known, many people don\u2019t realize that what you eat after being diagnosed with the disease can have […]","datePublished":"2026-10-01","dateModified":"2026-10-13","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"ceastway","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":5,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Regional Cancer Care Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/logo.svg","width":506,"height":228}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/array-of-fruits-and-vegetables.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/array-of-fruits-and-vegetables.jpg","height":483,"width":724},"url":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/how-diet-can-contribute-to-better-cancer-treatment-outcomes\/","about":["All Cancers"],"wordCount":2055,"articleBody":"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Diet Can Contribute to Better Cancer Treatment Outcomes: 2 RCCA Oncologists Share Insights and Approaches\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 1, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAvishek Kumar, MD, says that while the role of diet in reducing the risk of developing cancer is well known, many people don\u2019t realize that what you eat after being diagnosed with the disease can have a significant impact on outcomes.\u201cWhen we think of dietary choices for people undergoing cancer treatment, the focus often is on selecting foods that a person experiencing chemotherapy-related nausea can tolerate, or that can help with the fatigue that can result from cancer or certain therapies. Those considerations are very important, but a growing body of scientific evidence is showing that good nutrition also can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and even help extend survival in certain patients and types of cancer,\u201d explains Dr. Kumar, a board-certified medical oncologist who practices at the Edison, NJ offices of Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rachel Levenbach, MD, notes that a particularly encouraging study about diet and cancer outcomes was presented this June at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Levenbach, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist with a practice emphasis on breast cancer, explains, \u201cThe study involved almost 500 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. At the start of the study, the women received advice to follow a Mediterranean diet and to engage in physical activity. Roughly three years later, women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer who closely followed that advice had a 76% reduction in their risk of cancer recurrence compared to other women with HR+ breast cancer who did not embrace the nutritional and exercise guidance.\u201dDr. Levenbach, who practices at the RCCA offices in Moorestown, NJ, adds that the research illustrates both the promise of incorporating diet into the overall care of people with cancer and the many questions that still need to be addressed. \u201cThe study included both women with HR+ breast cancer \u2013 meaning cancer whose growth is driven by estrogen or progesterone \u2013 and women with hormone receptor-negative (HR-) breast cancer. The women with HR+ cancer obtained a significant benefit in adopting healthy lifestyle practices, while that benefit was not seen in their counterparts with HR- disease. Roughly 80% of cases of breast cancer are hormone receptor-positive, so these findings hopefully will be helpful to the great majority of women dealing with the disease, but the difference in outcomes underscores the importance of conducting further research in this area. The currently available evidence shows that diet can help ease fatigue, enhance quality of life, and have other positive benefits for people with cancer. However, as Dr. Kumar referenced, findings vary by cancer type and patient population, particularly in terms of progression to metastasis, risk of cancer recurrence, and survival.\u00a0\u201cThis reinforces the fact that in treating cancer, there is no \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 approach. That is why at RCCA we individualize our care plans to each person\u2019s specific situation. It also is why patients should consult their oncologist before adopting a new diet or exercise plan, starting a supplement or herbal preparation, or making similar changes. We encourage people to take a proactive approach to their health, but you want to confirm that any planned step is applicable to you, safe for you, and potentially beneficial.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0The oncologist adds, \u201cThe other noteworthy aspect of this trial is that the reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence was seen in women who adopted an overall dietary plan while also engaging in physical activity and receiving Vitamin D supplementation. It is important to take a comprehensive approach to your well-being: not diet or exercise, but diet and exercise appropriate to your physical abilities \u2013 as well as obtaining adequate sleep, managing stress, and other healthy behaviors.\u201d\u2018So, What Should I Be Doing About My Diet?\u2019Dr. Kumar says that while there is not a \u201ccancer survivors\u2019 diet,\u201d per se, the American Cancer Society and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network both encourage survivors to follow a predominantly plant-based eating plan.\u00a0The oncologist explains that such diets entail:Eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans and legumes, whole grains, seed, and nuts;Limiting red meat;Avoiding processed meats, such as bacon, ham, sausages, and hot dogs;Limiting consumption of highly processed foods high in sugar, fat, or starches, such as cookies, chips, and candy bars;Limiting consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and refined sugars; and,Avoiding or limiting alcohol.\u201cIf possible, consultation with a registered dietitian or other healthcare professional trained in nutrition can be incredibly helpful, not only in terms of specific foods to eat or avoid but also for proven approaches to adopting good nutritional practices,\u201d Dr. Kumar says. He adds that dietitians also can help ensure that in making changes, people continue to obtain adequate levels of key nutrients \u2013 such as assuring sufficient protein intake by replacing red meat with poultry, fish, low-fat dairy foods, and nuts.\u201cBeyond providing general guidance, dietitians who have experience working with patients with cancer also can help with specific challenges a person may be facing. For example, a patient receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer may have difficulty swallowing or experience a very dry mouth, which can make eating difficult. Dietitians can provide strategies for overcoming those issues,\u201d he says.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cA growing body of scientific evidence is showing that good nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and even help extend survival in certain patients and types of cancer.\u201d -- Avishek Kumar, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u201cCommitting to make a change is the key. From there, you can start adapting your diet in ways that introduce more nutritious foods and eliminate or reduce those that aren\u2019t beneficial.\u201d                                                                                          -- Rachel Levenbach, MD\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3 Practical Tips for a Healthy DietDr. Levenbach adds that cancer survivors can take three practical steps to increase the likelihood that they maintain healthy dietary habits:Get other household members \u2018on board.\u2019 \u201cIt can be hard to sustain change when what you\u2019re eating each day differs significantly from what others around you are having. From food shopping at the supermarket to meal prep in the kitchen, it can pose challenges that prompt people to default back to the old way of doing things,\u201d the oncologist says. She adds, \u201cThe good news, however, is that the benefits offered by plant-based eating plans such as the Mediterranean Diet aren\u2019t limited just to cancer survivors. For example, there is increasing evidence that they promote cardiovascular health for all adults, so in pursuing your own well-being you can help the people you love embrace healthy practices, as well.\u201dFind new favorites. Avoiding or cutting back on foods you like doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t find alternatives that suit your palate as much as they enhance your health. \u201cFor some adults, the recommendation to eat more vegetables brings back unpleasant memories of childhood battles over finishing their Brussel sprouts or broccoli before they could leave the dinner table. If Brussel sprouts or broccoli aren\u2019t for you, no problem; there are plenty of alternatives you may find more appetizing. Eating is supposed to be a pleasurable experience as well as a health-enhancing one, so experiment a little and find new, nutrient-rich foods that you enjoy,\u201d says Dr. Levenbach.Embrace variety; avoid fads. The oncologist adds that eating the same foods day in and day out can lead to boredom and, potentially, prevent a person from obtaining the full range of nutrients needed to support good health. Similarly, she says, \u201cBeware fads that focus on a single food. While fruits and vegetables are good for you, there is no one berry or legume that has incredible cancer-fighting properties. Similarly, while diet is quite important, it is one component of overall care; it should never be viewed as a substitute for indicated medical treatment.\u201dDr. Levenbach adds that when it comes to healthier eating, the most important step cancer survivors can take is the first one. \u201cCommitting to make a change is the key. From there, you can start adapting your diet in ways that introduce more nutritious foods and eliminate or reduce those that aren\u2019t beneficial. You almost certainly won\u2019t do this perfectly, but you don\u2019t need to. The idea is to keep going, remembering why you\u2019re doing what you\u2019re doing, celebrating your successes, and learning from any setbacks. If you do that, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by how quickly you have changed your eating habits for the better.\u201d\u00a0Find Expert Cancer Care Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., AreaDr. Kumar and Dr. Levenbach are among 90+ medical oncologists and hematologists who practice with Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the nation\u2019s largest networks of oncology specialists. RCCA has more than 20 locations near you across New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the Washington, DC, area. RCCA\u2019s cancer specialists see more than 30,000 new patients each year and provide care to more than 265,000 established patients, collaborating closely with those patients\u2019 other physicians. RCCA physicians offer patients innovative therapies, including immunotherapies and targeted therapy, as well as access to approximately 300\u00a0clinical trials. In addition to serving patients who have solid tumors, blood-based cancers, and benign blood disorders, RCCA care centers also provide\u00a0infusion services to people with a number of non-oncologic conditions\u2014including\u00a0multiple sclerosis,\u00a0Crohn\u2019s disease,\u00a0asthma, iron-deficiency anemia, and\u00a0rheumatoid arthritis\u2014who take intravenously-administered medications.To learn more about RCCA, call 844-346-7222 or contact RCCA. visit\u00a0RCCA.com.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReferencesAmerican Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors. October 22, 2025. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/supportive-care\/nutrition-activity-with-cancer\/acs-nutrition-and-physical-activity-guideline-for-survivors.html. Accessed August 22, 2026.Augustin L. The effects of Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and vitamin D on breast cancer recurrence and metabolic health. A multicenter randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 2026;44(suppl 16; abstr 511).Breast Cancer Research Foundation. All about breast cancer hormone receptor status. Available at https:\/\/www.bcrf.org\/about-breast-cancer\/breast-cancer-hormone-receptor-status\/. Accessed August 22, 2026.Castro-Espin C, Agudo A. The role of diet in prognosis among cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary patterns and diet interventions. Nutrients. 2022;14(2):348.doi:10\/3390\/nu14020348.Kenfield SA, DuPre N, Richman EL, et al. Mediterranean Diet and prostate cancer risk and mortality in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Eur Urol. 2014;65(5):887-894.National Comprehensive Cancer Network.\u00ae NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. (NCCN Guidelines.\u00ae) Survivorship. Version 3.2026. July 22, 2026.\u00a0Rock CL, Thomson CA, Sullivan KR, et al. American Cancer Society nutrition and physical activity guideline for cancer survivors. CA Cancer J Clin. 2022;72:230-262.Resources on Diet for Cancer Survivors\u00a0American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society Nutritional and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors. Available at https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/supportive-care\/nutrition-activity-with-cancer\/acs-nutrition-and-physical-activity-guideline-for-survivors.html. Accessed August 22, 2026.Cancer Support Community\/Gilda\u2019s Club. Diet & nutrition for cancer survivors. Available at https:\/\/www.cancersupportcommunity.org\/diet-nutrition-cancer-survivors. Accessed August 22, 2026.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cancer Survivors. Eating Healthy. August 19, 2024. Available at https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer-survivors\/healthy-living-guides\/eating-healthy.html. Accessed August 22,2026.National Comprehensive Cancer Network\u00ae (NCCN). NCCN Guidelines for Patients.\u00ae \u00a0Survivorship Care for Healthy Living. Available at https:\/\/www.nccn.org\/guidelines\/guidelines-detail?category=3&id=1466.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twe are here for you\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the\u00a0RCCA location\u00a0nearest you.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\trequest an appointment\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Do Patients with Cancer Need to Know About Fertility Before Starting Treatment?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhile cancer is rare in young adults, it occurs more frequently than many people realize. Young, healthy patients frequently get positive results from cancer care.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhere Can You Find Expert Cancer Care Near You in Hackensack and Bergen County, NJ?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvery cancer treatment journey begins with finding an oncologist. Patients in Hackensack, NJ, and Bergen County may not realize they don’t need to travel to\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to Find an Oncologist Near You in Connecticut at RCCA West Hartford\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne of the most intimidating things about a cancer diagnosis is finding the proper care. Cancer treatment has earned a reputation for long travel and\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn More\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRELATED ARTICLES\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Diet Can Contribute to Better Cancer Treatment Outcomes: 2 RCCA Oncologists Share Insights and Approaches","item":"https:\/\/www.regionalcancercare.org\/news\/how-diet-can-contribute-to-better-cancer-treatment-outcomes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]