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Is cancer prevention possible through diet in adults?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 47-year-old male. I was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma grade 2 brain tumor in the right posterior parietal region ten years ago. I underwent neurosurgery, followed by radiation therapy.

MRI taken after treatment showed no tumor left. But during follow-up MRIs, two years back, I was again diagnosed with a recurrence in the same region as earlier.

Biopsy showed it as oligodendroglioma grade 3 (anaplastic), for which I again went through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. At present, I am treated with anti-epileptic tablets, and a recent MRI did not show any definite recurrence.

I am hearing a lot about the paleo diet, which helps in reducing weight, controlling diabetes, etc. I currently weigh 231 lbs, and I do not have diabetes. My concern is about the recurrence of brain cancer in the near future. My doubts are:

  1. Can the paleo diet help in the non-recurrence of cancer, and or,
  2. Can the paleo diet help in postponing the recurrence for as long as possible?

I kindly request you to clarify to me the effect of the paleo diet in treating cancer, and if so, can I come and meet you with reports and further tests?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex neurological conditions. His expertise includes brain and spine surgeries, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, trauma management, and patient-focused care. He is dedicated to advanced treatment planning, precision surgery, and improving neurological outcomes for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

  1. Paleo diet will definitely reduce your weight.
  2. About the recurrence of the tumor, it will reduce the recurrence of the tumor by 30 percent.

What this means is that we assume the chance of recurrence of a particular tumor is 80 percent. That means out of 100 people, 80 will get cancer again. Suppose all these 100 take paleo, only 50 will get cancer again.

Now, assume the chance of recurrence of a particular tumor is 30 percent. That means of 100 people, 30 will get cancer again. Suppose all these 100 people take paleo; no one will get cancer again.

So, if you have already got a tumor, you have to take paleo. In your case, paleo will be useful in:

  1. Reducing weight.
  2. Postponing the recurrence for as long as possible and, in case your tumor has a low recurrence rate, it can even help in non-recurrence.

Please do metabolic profile B, and you can consult me in person in any of the hospitals at your convenience and location.

Take care.

Regards.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 20, 2018
Reviewed At November 6, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex neurological conditions. His expertise includes brain and spine surgeries, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, trauma management, and patient-focused care. He is dedicated to advanced treatment planning, precision surgery, and improving neurological outcomes for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. J. Mariano Anto Bruno Mascarenhas is a highly experienced Neurosurgeon specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of complex neurological conditions. His expertise includes brain and spine surgeries, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques, trauma management, and patient-focused care. He is dedicated to advanced treatment planning, precision surgery, and improving neurological outcomes for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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