CINCINNATI (WKRC) – During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, health care providers emphasize the importance of nutrition in healing, suggesting that the right foods can be a crucial part of recovery.
At Kentucky’s Saint Elizabeth Yung Family Cancer Center, cooking classes are helping patients like Lisa Mercer, who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer with metastasis in December 2024, manage symptoms such as neuropathy, a side effect of chemotherapy.
Cooking class instructor Amy Jackman highlights foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and B vitamins.
“Today we’re going to talk about foods that are high in antioxidants, high in fiber, and high in B vitamins,” Jackman said.
These ingredients, though not common in everyday menus, are essential for those undergoing cancer treatment.
The class features recipes like nut-filled energy balls, which provide the higher protein levels necessary for healing.
“This class helps patients know what simple foods, everyday foods, can be used to help with their symptoms,” said Emily Winter, an integrative oncology nurse navigator at St. Elizabeth.
The main course, quinoa stew, includes colorful vegetables and beans packed with B vitamins needed for energy in cancer recovery, as well as quinoa, a protein-rich grain.
“All of those things are high in fiber as well,” Jackman said.
A side dish of chickpeas seasoned with curry, along with added pumpkin and spinach, is also part of the menu. Winter emphasizes the importance of support.
“Sometimes you just need a hug, sometimes you need questions answered, sometimes you just need somebody in your corner,” said Winter.
These classes not only provide recipes for healing but also offer guidance on modifying meals to meet individual needs, with many of the same foods aiding in prevention.
Dining and Cooking