Sarah Abagai, a dietician and nutritionist, urged cancer patients to adopt healthy diets in Abuja on Wednesday, advising them to avoid fast foods due to high carcinogenic content, noting that cancer cells thrive on sugar-rich foods.

Ms Abagai, a fellow of the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria, made the remarks on the sidelines of the Women Empowering Women Breast Cancer Navigation and Technology Programme for oncology nurses.

She said people needed greater nutritional awareness regarding their food choices, advising increased consumption of nuts, particularly cashew nuts and groundnuts, as part of a balanced diet that supported overall health.

Ms Abagai emphasised that nutrition information remained crucial for patients, especially those battling cancer, adding that natural foods, plant-based diets, fresh produce, and vegetables should be accessible, encouraged, and regularly consumed.

She further advised oncology nurses, as patient navigators, to intensify public education efforts to discourage excessive fast-food consumption while promoting healthier dietary habits among patients and the general population.

Adeola Aderibigbe, a 10-year cancer survivor and advocate, shared how the training aligned with her personal experience, highlighting the importance of guidance and support throughout the challenging cancer treatment journey.

She explained that with professional patient navigation support, she gained access to essential care services and had since committed herself to assisting other patients in navigating their own cancer journeys successfully.

Aderibigbe expressed gratitude to medical personnel who went beyond their duties to ensure patients received necessary care, acknowledging both healthcare workers and fellow patients who provided support during critical moments.

(NAN)