Mickala Parsley, a registered dietitian, has seen first-hand how the right foods can help people feel better through cancer treatments, even reducing chemo’s side effects. She helps people with cancer discover the best diets for their needs: Whether they want to replace pounds that have been lost unintentionally, or they seek foods that aid the healing process.

This work is personal for Parsley. Her mom is a five-year survivor of stage III colorectal cancer. Then, during her dietetic internship, Parsley had a rotation with an oncology dietitian. Those two experiences set her career on its course.

“I instantly fell in love with oncology due to my personal connections, but also because I felt that dietitians can make a huge difference in a cancer patient’s journey,” she says. “It truly is the most rewarding job!”

Here, Parsley shares inspiration to kick-start diet changes that promote health during chemotherapy.

What are signs that a change in diet may be needed during chemotherapy?

The biggest sign is if a patient is losing weight unintentionally. This is the body’s way of letting us know we are not consuming enough calories and protein. Weight loss during treatment, even if the patient is overweight, negatively impacts the patient’s overall outcomes. Another sign could be a non-healing wound or radiation burn. Nutrition is a key component of our body’s healing process.

What encouragement do you offer someone amid cancer treatments to take the initiative to undergo diet changes, too?

Many patients don’t realize the power nutrition can make during treatment. Patients that are eating enough to meet their calorie and protein needs will have fewer side effects, less delays in treatment, and an increase in energy. An oncology dietitian can help you navigate cancer-associated side effects and help you feel your best during treatment. I encourage patients to view nutrition as another medication throughout the treatment process.

Due to cancer itself and then cancer treatment, the body needs more nutrition than ever before. Cancer treatments promote cell death and, unfortunately, damage healthy cells in the process. That is why a patient may experience mouth sores, hair loss, etc. Our bodies require more nutrition while receiving treatment than ever before to help our bodies rebuild new, healthy cells.

Do you have tips about beginning diet changes?

When I first meet with a patient, we review their current daily intake. If a patient has a habit of skipping a meal or not consuming enough in general, we first work on that. I may suggest a protein shake or smoothie for something quick and easy.

If a patient is doing a good job of meeting their calorie and protein needs, I will move on to finding ways the patient can incorporate cancer-fighting foods into their diet. Cancer fighting foods are foods that have been well studied and known to provide specific nutrients that have been shown to prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells. The American Institute of Cancer Research has a great list of cancer fighting foods. I will also work with patients on hydration goals. Staying hydrated is an important part of treatment. If patients are not well-hydrated, they can have increased nausea and less energy.

Would you like to correct any misconceptions that people have about dieting while undergoing cancer treatments?

Yes! Unfortunately, there are many nutrition myths associated with cancer. The most common myth is that sugar feeds cancer. Glucose (AKA sugar) is the preferred source of energy for cells and is used by all cells in the body. When one cuts out glucose from their diet completely, it does not slow cancer cells as they will continue to find ways to grow. What it will do is deplete healthy cells and cause additional stress and potential weight loss during treatment. Plus, even without glucose from our diet, our bodies have mechanisms in place to turn fat and protein into glucose. Now, just because sugar does not feed cancer does not mean I am OK with patients only eating ice cream and cake all day long. Proper nutrition and blood sugar control is a vital component of supporting our immune systems and feeling our best during treatment.

What resources exist to help cancer patients who want to learn more about diet and nutrition, either online or in cancer centers?

Many clinics have a dietitian present as a resource for patients. Unfortunately, not all clinics have this service, but physicians and cancer centers are becoming more aware of the benefits and improved outcomes of nutrition therapy during treatment. I expect to see the number of clinics with dietitians continue to grow over the next few years. The American Institute of Cancer Research is a great resource for patients when it comes to diet and cancer. I also really like the book, What To Eat During Cancer Treatment from the American Cancer Society. This resource covers specific side effects and what to eat to manage these and stay well-nourished.

When someone embraces a balanced, healthy diet during cancer treatments, how can that help them?

Patients that do a good job of eating well and maintaining weight during cancer treatment have fewer side effects, more energy, and most importantly, less delays in treatment promoting better outcomes.

Do you have words of encouragement to people as they navigate diet and cancer treatments?

With a cancer diagnosis, many things are out of our control. But what we eat to support our body throughout treatment is in our control and has a huge impact on our quality of life. Some of my patients feel really empowered knowing this information and using it to their advantage. I recommend working with a qualified health professional and being mindful of where you are getting information from regarding diet and cancer. We are here to help you feel confident with food, not afraid.

 Read Mickala Parsley’s blog for more inspiration and even recipe tips, or follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @seasaltandkale.

Fight CRC focuses on providing balanced cancer care information while influencing policy change for the greater good. Please be sure to check out our Food issue of Beyond Blue, Fall 2021, if you haven’t already, as well as our Gut-friendly Cooking Demo with Sarah Copeland  for additional resources relating to food and colorectal cancer.

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