Impact of Altered Immune Function

Cancer and its treatment weaken the body's immune system by affecting the blood cells that protects us against disease and foreign organisms. As a result, your body cannot fight infection, foreign substances and disease as well as a healthy person's body can. During the course of your treatment for cancer, there will be times when your body will not be able to protect you as well. While your immune system is recovering, you may be told to limit your exposure to possible infection-causing organisms. For example, you may need to avoid some foods that are likely to harbour high levels of bacteria. 

Nutrition Suggestions for People with Weakened Immune Systems:

Foods to Avoid :

• Raw and undercooked meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, eggs, hot dogs, tauhu, sausages and bacon
• Cold smoked fish (salmon and pickled fish.)
• Unpasteurised milk and milk products including cheese and yoghurt
• Aged cheese such as brie, camembert, blue, Roquefort, sharp cheddar and Stilton
• Refrigerated cheese-based salad dressings (such as blue cheese and cheese requiring refrigeration "not shelf-stable.")
• Unwashed raw vegetables and fruits and those with visible mould
• All raw vegetable sprouts such as alfalfa and mung beans
• Unpasteurised commercial fruit and vegetable juices
• Unpasteurised honey
• All miso products, tempeh
• All mouldy and outdated food products
• Raw, uncooked brewer's yeast
• Well water, unless tested yearly and found safe
• Herbal preparations and nutrient supplements