Question
I am an oncology dietitian and part of my patient care responsibilities includes weight management counseling of cancer survivors. I see a fair number of survivors with a BMI 30 or over who are at risk for co-morbidities and cancer recurrence due to their obesity. I am interested in information regarding the use of New Directions products under medical supervision in the patient population of cancer survivors, after completion of treatments, with no evidence of disease.
Answer
There is very limited evidence that weight loss reduces cancer recurrence. I am aware of one small bariatric surgery study showing a decreased risk of recurrence. I think most believe there would be a benefit.
However, I am now routinely referred patients by their oncologists to lose weight after treatment for cancer. I believe there is presumptive belief of benefit, especially with hormonally sensitive cancers. We know that we can reduce circulating estrogen levels by reducing weight.
The one caveat is that a couple of the flavors use soy as a protein ingredient (most don't have soy). While the evidence is really uncertain about soy, we tell the patients to avoid these. There are many excellent choices in the New Direction line. —John Hernried, MD, FACP