Oncology Diet

Many oncology patients have very low white blood cell counts and need to adhere to a special diet, since treatments like radiation and chemotherapy can compromise the immune system. Making sure that foods are fresh and of good quality is one of the best ways to promote health for those suffering from cancer, but certain restrictions must be put in place as well.

Fruits and Vegetables

• For the oncology diet, all fruits and vegetables should be rinsed well under cold water--rinsing them with soap can cause diarrhea if the fruits or vegetables are not completely rinsed off. Raw vegetable sprouts like broccoli and alfalfa should be avoided.

Sweets

• Unrefrigerated and cream-filled pastries are not recommended for the oncology diet. Honey or honeycomb is also not allowed, but grade A heat-treated honey is acceptable.

Water

• Water from lakes and rivers should not be consumed. Well water can only be consumed if it is tested yearly for coliforms, so distilled or bottled water is usually recommended.

Meat and Poultry

• Meat and poultry must be cooked at the correct temperatures in order to be acceptable for the oncology diet. Red meat should have an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and whole poultry should reach an internal temperature of at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption, according to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Dairy Products

• Only pasteurized and grade milk and dairy products are permitted on the oncology diet. Mold-ripened cheeses such as brie and blue cheese are not allowed.