Food safety and cancer awareness go hand in hand. Today, one in six people are victims of foodborne illnesses, including those diagnosed with cancer. According to the American Cancer Association, food safety is essential for cancer patients because their immune systems may already be weakened from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments decrease white blood cells in a patient’s body, which are necessary to fight off infections. Therefore, families must be careful when preparing meals for family members who are battling cancer.

Foods to Avoid

Cancer patients should avoid consuming raw and undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood. Raw milk, eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, cheese made from raw milk, cold hot dogs, and sprouts should also be avoided.

All raw food should be properly washed and cooked at appropriate temperatures. In addition, a new study by the Food Packaging Forum Foundation found that cancer patients should be aware of chemicals in food packaging materials. These materials are known to leach into food and are being linked to some cancers, developmental disorders, and other diseases.

Food Safety Steps

The following are food safety steps to prevent foodborne illnesses. Although these steps are advised for everyone, cancer patients need to take extra precautions since foodborne diseases are not detected through sight, smell, or taste.

Step 1: Clean—Wash hands and surfaces often. Wash hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds.

Step 2: Separate—Keep foods separated. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs should be kept separate from other foods. Cooked foods should never be placed on a plate that once held raw meat, for example.

Step 3: Cook—Cook foods at proper temperatures. Use a thermometer and food temperature guide to determine appropriate cooking temperatures.

Step 4: Chill—Be sure to place food in a refrigerator promptly. Lower temperatures slow down the growth of foodborne diseases. Refrigerate food within 2 hours of cooking and purchasing.

More Information

Contact your doctor immediately if you are a cancer patient and suspect that you might be experiencing food poisoning. Visit www.aces.edu for more food safety information.