What is cancer?
The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. In different parts of the body cells may look and work differently but most reproduce themselves in the same way.
Cells are constantly becoming old and dying, and new cells are produced to replace them.
Normally, the division and growth of cells is orderly and controlled but if this process gets out of control for some reason, the cells will continue to divide and develop into a lump which is called a tumour.
Tumours can either be benign or malignant. Cancer is the name given to a malignant tumour.
In a benign tumour the cells do not spread to other parts of the body and so are not cancerous.
However, if they continue to grow at the original site, they may cause a problem by pressing on the surrounding organs.

It is important to realise that cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment.
There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer, each with its own name and treatment

Types of cancer
Carcinomas: About 85% of cancers are carcinomas. They start in the epithelium, which is the covering (or lining) of organs and of the body (the skin).

Sarcomas: These form in the connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone and fatty tissue (6% of cancers).

Leukaemias/Lymphomas:These occur in the tissues where white blood cells (which fight infection in the body) are formed, i.e. the bone marrow, and lymphatic system (5%).

Others forms of cancer : Brain tumours and other rare forms of cancer make up the other 4% of cancers.

Your diet is particularly relevant to cancer treatment in two ways.
Firstly there the protective effects of a healthy diet protecting the body from cancer.
Secondly there is assessing the nutritional status of the cancer sufferer and how diet can help to maintian weight whilst undergoing treatment.

How can an Eatatease Dietitian help?
The UK registered dietitians at Eatatease can advise on the most appropriate diet based upon your present medical condition. The e-consultation option allows a comprehensive dietary review to be undertaken by a UK registered Dietitian.

Get PERSONALLY tailored advice about cancer and your diet from one of our registered dietitians!