In many cases, patients don't lose their battle to the disease itself, but to malnutrition caused by extreme and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Today, let’s debunk the four most dangerous cancer nutrition myths circulating online.

Myth 1: "Sugar Feeds Cancer," so I must stop eating rice and fruit.

This is perhaps the most widespread and damaging myth. While it is true that high-sugar diets (like sugary drinks and refined sweets) are linked to obesity and increased cancer risk, this does not mean patients should cut out carbohydrates entirely.

The scientific truth? Cancer cells are "not picky eaters." Even if you stop eating sugar completely, the cancer will simply begin to consume your body’s muscle and fat stores for energy. Starving yourself of carbs often leads to rapid weight loss and a collapse of the immune system. During treatment, your top priority is ensuring adequate calories. Rice, whole grains, and fruits are essential fuel sources that keep your "engine" running so you can withstand the rigors of treatment.

Myth 2: Chicken, Eggs, and Meat are "Toxic" or "Inflammatory."

In many cultures, these are labeled as "trigger foods" (fawu) that allegedly make cancer worse. The reality is the exact opposite: During cancer treatment, protein is the core raw material for repairing your body and creating immune cells (your "good soldiers").

Chicken and eggs are high-quality protein sources rich in essential amino acids. Unless you have a specific allergy, there is no scientific reason to avoid them. Chemotherapy kills both bad and healthy cells; without enough protein, your body cannot build new tissue to recover. Restricting protein leads to muscle wasting and a higher risk of infection.

Myth 3: An "Alkaline Diet" can cure cancer or replace chemo.

The "Alkaline-Acid" theory has been proven a total scam. Its founder, Robert O. Young, was heavily fined and jailed for fraud. Your body’s pH level is strictly regulated by your lungs and kidneys; it cannot be changed by the food you eat.

Many patients believe that drinking only vegetable juice to "detox" or "alkalize" the body is a cure. This leads to severe electrolyte imbalances and dangerous muscle loss. Studies have shown that patients who reject conventional treatment in favor of these "natural" alkaline therapies have significantly higher mortality rates. There are no shortcuts; science-based Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the only way forward.

Myth 4: You must eat Cactus, Porcupine Dates, or only Organic food.

The market is flooded with "miracle products" that lack rigorous clinical evidence. While ingredients like cactus or fucoidan are popular, the scientific data supporting them as a primary cancer treatment is weak.

As for organic food, there is currently no evidence that it is more effective at fighting cancer than conventional produce. Instead of spending a fortune on expensive supplements, follow the "Rainbow Diet" and the "Healthy Plate" (Suku Suku Separuh) principle—focusing on a balanced variety of natural, whole foods.

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A Dietitian’s Final Advice

The core of cancer nutrition lies in the "Three Adequates": Adequate Calories, Adequate Protein, and Adequate Key Nutrients (like Omega-3/EPA).

When your appetite is low, "being able to eat" is more important than "eating perfectly." If a patient craves fried chicken or salted egg—and it helps them eat more—it should be allowed. Your primary goal is to maintain your weight and strength.