
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 11, 1990                   TAG: 9007110009
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DR. JEAN MAYER and JEANNE GOLDBERG, PH.D., R.D.
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DIET, SAFETY IMPORTANT FOR CANCER PATIENT

Q: My husband recently underwent surgery for cancer and will soon be facing follow-up radiation therapy. His appetite is not what it used to be. I'd like to do whatever I can to encourage him to eat. Do you have suggestions?

A: Without knowing the nature of his problem, it's difficult to give you specific advice. However, we can suggest a free booklet that provides a wealth of concrete information about problems commonly faced by cancer patients. "Eating Hints - Recipes and Tips" is available from the Office of Cancer Communications, NCI, Building 31, Room 10A A24, Bethesda, Md. 20892, or by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.

We should point out that individuals with cancer are among those most vulnerable to foodborne illness. They, and others who cook and serve their food, should be strict in following food safety rules. One important measure is to avoid all raw meat, raw poultry, raw seafood and raw eggs.

Cook all food thoroughly, to at least 160 degrees, to kill any bacteria that might be present. Also, avoid spreading bacteria by washing hands, utensils, cutting boards and counters that come in contact with raw food with warm, soapy water before handling other food.

by CNB