Diet & Cancer Quiz

Take this quiz as it could help solidify your knowledge of diet and cancer and maybe even teach you something you didn't know. Read the question first, select the answer that seems the most accurate from the choices given. The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information on the same topic. It might be helpful to retake the quiz after reading over the additional material. Good luck!

Question 1: The American Cancer Society dietary guidelines for cancer prevention include:

A. Drink five glasses of milk per day

B. Eat red meat for protein
C. Choose whole grains instead of processed grains
D. Avoid all carbohydrates

Question 2: Obesity increases the risk of developing certain cancers.

A. True
B. False

Question 3: Antioxidants are:

A. Nutrients that protect the body
B. Important in disease prevention
C. Found in many fruits and vegetables
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Question 4: Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber can reduce the risk of certain cancers.

A. True
B. False

Question 5: The most common nutritional problem facing cancer patients is:

A. Not drinking enough water
B. Choosing the wrong foods
C. Gaining weight from medications
D. Not getting enough calories and protein

Question 6: Cancer treatments can make eating more difficult because of:

A. Difficulty in swallowing
B. Nausea or vomiting
C. Change in taste or smell
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Question 7: Protein supplies the body with the majority of its caloric needs.

A. True
B. False

Question 8: Nutritional therapy may include:

A. Supplemental nutritional beverages
B. A specialized diet plan
C. Medications
D. All of the above
E. None of the above

Question 9: Aspartame, a sugar substitute, causes cancer.

A. True
B. False

Question 10: Enteral nutrition is:

A. Nutrition through an intravenous (IV) tube
B. Food that is not digested
C. Not designed for cancer patients
D. Nutrition through a feeding tube

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ANSWERS:

A1: The correct answer is Choose whole grains instead of processed grains

The ACS dietary guidelines for cancer prevention includes choosing whole grains instead of processed grains and sugar. They also recommend eating more fruits and vegetables, eating less red meat and limiting salt intake.

A2: The correct answer is True

Excess body weight and obesity increase the chances of developing many cancers, including breast, colorectal and prostate. More than 41,000 new cases of cancer in 2002 were believed to be caused by obesity, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A3: The correct answer is All of the above

Antioxidants are nutrients found in many fruits and vegetables. These nutrients help protect the body against tissue damage that is a result from normal metabolism. Since tissue damage is linked to an increased risk of cancer, antioxidants play an important role in cancer prevention.

A4: The correct answer is True

Many studies have indicated that specific foods may be linked to certain cancers. Red meat is believed to increase the risk of colorectal cancer while fiber is thought to help prevent it. Since most research in cancer and nutrition is preliminary, the American Cancer Society recommends a diet balanced with healthy foods.

A5: The correct answer is Not getting enough calories and protein

Many cancer patients do not have enough protein or calories in their diet. Caloric intake is often reduced due to side effects from cancer treatments. Eating well during cancer therapy can help individuals maintain their body weight, tolerate treatments and reduce the risks of adverse effects.

A6: The correct answer is All of the above

Various cancer treatments can cause side effects that interfere with proper nutrition. Eating may become difficult or painful because of a dry or sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, vomiting or a reduced sense of taste and smell.

A7: The correct answer is False

Carbohydrates and fats supply the body with most of its caloric needs. Sources of carbohydrates include breads, pastas, grain and cereals, fruits and some vegetables. The amount of calories a person needs depends on size, age and level of physical activity.

A8: The correct answer is All of the above

Nutritional therapy can help cancer patients receive better nutrition through a customized diet plan, supplemental beverages and foods and medications that improve the appetite. A dietician, along with physicians, can design an appropriate nutritional plan.

A9: The correct answer is False

It is a common misconception that aspartame, a low calorie sugar substitute, causes cancer. Although numerous studies have been conducted on aspartame, there is no definitive evidence that it increases the risk of cancer.

A10: The correct answer is Nutrition through a feeding tube

Enteral nutrition is nutrition that is received through a feeding tube that is inserted in the nose or abdomen. It can be used to supplement the diet of cancer patients who are unable to receive enough nutrition by eating. Feeding tubes are not permanent and can be removed once the patient is able to maintain nutrition by eating.