Question 1
Studies have investigated the relationship between lycopene intake and breast cancer risk. As a dietitian, what are some things you would mention regarding this topic in an education session with a patient/client who was at risk for breast cancer?
posted by Brittney @ 12:15 AM
17 comments
17 Comments:
I would mention to my client that numerous studies have found that a high intake of lycopene-containing foods may reduce one’s risk for cancer. Then I would explain to my client what lycopene is. For example, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant abundant in red tomatoes and processed tomato products. It is a carotenoid that gives tomatoes and certain other fruits and vegetables their color (tomatoes, guava, apricots, watermelon, papaya, and pink grapefruit). Further research is needed to find out what role, if any, lycopene has in the prevention or treatment of cancer, but I would definitely still recommend the consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables in one’s diet and express the importance of consuming tomatoes and other foods high in lycopene for the prevention of cancer.
I would explain the VARIOUS dietary risk factors AND protective benefits of specific dietary components. At this point, the preponderance of evidence suggests that lycopene, available in large amounts in cooked tomato products, is beneficial in the prevention of cancers. I would determine the client's current dietary practices and suggest various ways to include tomato products in the diet. A handout would be great here! I would give them a fabulous handout on lycopene and all of its sources. I would encourage them to get their 5 a day, including good sources of lycopene. Finally, I would mention other diet/lifestyle choices that have been shown to effect one's risk of developing cancer.
I would discuss with the patient; although the connection between lycopene intake and the reduced incidence of cancer is still under investigation, it could not hurt to include foods that contain lycopene in their diet. Tomatoes are considered rich in lycopene and can easily be included in a diet. Often times people say they like tomato sauce but not the actual tomatoes and in this case that is even better. Tomato sauce is actually more "lycopene dense" in the sauce form than in the fruit itself and heating the sauce does not take away any of the benefits. But in case they do not care for them in any form there are many other fruits and vegetables a person could choose from. Beyond lycopene they contain Vitamins A, C and E which are necessary every day and are better absorbed through foods. Bottom line I would encourage the consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables for benefits of overall health.
Susan
Susan,
I'm with you that there are so many other benefits from eating more fruits and veggies, it can't hurt. It's wonderful that heat doesn't reduce the benefits of lycopene, in fact, heat increases its bioavailability. Finally a veggie that's better for you cooked.
Em
Emily- Good idea about creating a handout to give to the client. This would be very helpful to refer to and for the client to see what good lycopene sources are. I also liked how you mentioned other lifestyle changes they could make to prevent cancer. This is a great idea!
I would explain that there are substances in our bodies called free radicals which damage our healthy cells. Then explain how antioxidants protect our cells from these damaging free radicals. Next, I would talk about foods that contain high amounts of these antioxidants, including lycopene and how some studies show their cancer protecting qualities.
I would talk with the patient about lycopene and it's possible relationship to breast cancer, but would also stress the fact that other foods (everything in moderation) can also be demonstrate benefits. I would stress that lycopene is not the cure all and that the patient should try to have an overall healthy diet and lifestyle, including physical activity, to decrease their risk of disease.
Emily, I think it's a great idea to offer them a handout regarding the health benefits of lycopene so that they can refer to it whenever they choose. This ensures they get the information through many of the senses, sight and sound, and also allows them to contact you at a later date if they have more questions.
The one thing that I would want to stress to my client would be that lycopene will not totally diminish their risk of developing breast cancer, basically it isn't a miracle phytochemical. Then I would want to tell them that it has other benefits and it can't hurt to try. Then I would want to tell them where they can find lycopene-which would be tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, and other fruits and vegetables. I would also state that getting it from a food source is a better choice than taking a supplement.
Tori McRoberts
Colin,
I like the idea of talking about the free radicals and how lycopene acts to fight them. This would help them understand more about the physiology of cancer and what is going on in their body.
Tori
I would mention to them the benefits associated with increasing their lycopene especially when they are at risk for breast cancer. I would not lead them on though and say that was a for sure cure all. It wouldn't hurt them though to increase their lycopene. Mentioning studies and research articles may be important to ensure they know the evidence behind the claim.
For any person who has a family history of cancer, the importance of fruits and vegetables because of their antioxidants should be stressed. Though the research is not complete, and no cause and effect relationship can be made, you can suggest to your client that it "can't hurt" to increase their intake of foods that contain lycopene. Focusing on improving lifestyle may be more beneficial in preventing cancer, than focusing on one specific suspected cause. A healthy lifestyle would include fruits and vegetables, and a low level of alchol.
Tori,
I like that you pointed out that no one change in their diet is going to be the "miracle cure or prevention" that everyone is hoping for. We are seeing that lycopene is consumed in a healthy diet that is full of vegetables, and a this causes a diet that is rich in lycopene to be viewed as an anti-cancer diet. Like I said in a previous post, it is a small piece in a very large cancer puzzle.
Susan,
That is a great idea about using tomato or pasta sauce as an alternative for those who do not like tomatoes. That is a product that many people do not think about that is high in lycopene.
Mere,
Good idea to tell the client where they can find more information on his or her own. When people are really interested in prevention they are all ears and want as much information as they can get. Very important to give them reputable sources!
Susan
I would explain that what lycopene is and what foods it can be found in. I would also explain that although some studies may support the hypothesis that lycopene can lower cancer risk, the best advice is to have a balanced diet that not only includes foods which would have lycopene but other nutrient dense items.
Myra
I agree with you Sam. I think it's important to make it clear to clients that there really is no one miracle food they need to be sure to eat, but that a balanced diet is much more likely to lower their risk of cancers and disease.
Myra
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