European experts in cancer and nutrition are meeting in Zurich, Switzerland late this month to discuss cutting-edge research in one of the most important and fiercely debated topics in cancer prevention: the link between diet and cancer.
There is growing evidence that many cancers may be prevented through healthy lifestyle, including a nutritionally balanced diet. In addition, nutritional problems can also have a negative impact on cancer management and the lives of patients.
The latest research findings on these topics will be discussed at the ESMO Symposium on Cancer and Nutrition (20-21 March 2009), organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology in collaboration with the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).
"Nutrition plays an important role in every stage of our fight against cancer, from prevention to treatment and alleviation of the disease," said Dr Florian Strasser from the Oncological Palliative Medicine department at the Kantonsspital St. Gallen, co-chair of the Symposium's scientific committee. "But it is vital that the advice given to people is based on proper scientific evidence."
The ESMO Symposium will discuss the latest evidence on the link between diet and cancer, the impact of cancer on nutritional issues, in staging and alleviating cachexia. It will also provide medical oncologists, dieticians, palliative care specialists, home care providers and nurses with valuable information on how to properly consider nutritional issues in cancer management.