LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A nutrition expert in Abuja has urged cancer patients to rethink their food choices, highlighting how healthier diets can support treatment outcomes and improve general quality of life.
Sounding the alarm is a Fellow of the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria, Sarah Abagai, who shared tips on healthy living during a breast cancer programme for oncology nurses in Abuja.
She warned cancer sufferers that poor nutrition, especially fast foods could worsen their condition while better diets may aid recovery.
“Cancer cells thrive on sugar-rich foods,” she said, urging patients to cut down on such meals.
Abagai explained that better awareness about nutrition is essential, especially for people undergoing cancer treatment.
She encouraged patients to include more natural and plant-based foods in their diets, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
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In particular, she recommended cashew nuts and groundnuts as part of a balanced diet that supports overall health.
According to her, making these foods accessible and regularly consumed can help improve patient wellbeing.
Furthermore, the nutrition expert advised oncology nurses to play a stronger role in educating patients and the public.
She said nurses should discourage frequent fast food consumption while promoting healthier food choices.
Meanwhile, cancer survivor Adeola Aderibigbe shared her personal journey, highlighting the importance of proper guidance during treatment.
Having lived with cancer for 10 years, she said support from trained professionals made a major difference in her recovery.
She explained that patient navigation services helped her access the care she needed and inspired her to support others facing similar challenges.
Aderibigbe also expressed appreciation to healthcare workers who went beyond their duties to assist patients, as well as fellow patients who offered encouragement during difficult moments.
Notably, improving nutrition awareness among cancer patients could strengthen recovery efforts, while continued education by healthcare providers may help more people make informed food choices during treatment.
(NAN)
