Role of Nutrition in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent and the 10th familiar cause of death. The cause of oral squamous cell carcinoma is multifactorial,1/3 of all cancer-related deaths were caused by incorrect human behaviors such as smoking, consumption of alcohol, poor diet quality and physical inactivity whereas other dietary factors were linked to reduced risk including consumption of fruits and vegetables, legumes, unsaturated fats, adequate intakes of vitamins and minerals, and dietary intake of bioactive phytochemicals. However, the antioxidation power of dietary antioxidants maintains cell membrane integrity and protects DNA from damage. In conclusion, it is important to consider the diet and nutritional planning for patients in the prevention of cancer, palliative care setting, focusing on foods and supplements that provide cancer fighting nutrients, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation can help overall quality of life. Therefore a comprehensive approach to adequate nutrition is very important for cancer prevention.