Gina Koskosky

Consuming simple carbohydrates may increase the risk of recurrence among patients with head and neck cancer, according to a study published in the

. New findings suggest that a patient’s diet could have a significant impact on his or her ability to combat cancer.

The authors also suggest that patients who after treatment moderately consume fats and starches, such as legumes, potatoes, and whole grains, are less likely to have a recurrence of head and neck cancer, according to the study.

The study followed more than 400 patients for 26 months after their initial diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma on the head or neck. Most of the patients were treated for oral cancer or oropharyngeal cancer, including cancers of the tongue, tonsils, and surrounding tissue, according to the study.

Arthur AE, Goss AM, Demark-Wahnefried W, et al. Higher carbohydrate intake is associated with increased risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality in head and neck cancer patients: Results from a prospective cohort study.

Study explores carbohydrates’ impact on head, neck cancers [news release]. University of Illinois’ website.

https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/638053

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Consuming simple carbohydrates may increase the risk of recurrence among patients with head and neck cancer.

Gina Koskosky

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