Medical Health Encyclopedia

A 1999 study gave some comfort by reporting that children with cancer have no more emotional or social problems than their healthy peers. In fact, teachers and students reported that, on average, such children tended to be less aggressive and more likable than their peers. It is more likely that the parents and caregivers suffer more emotionally. Caregivers themselves must seek help for the inevitable stress, depression, and tension arising from their difficult role.

Lifestyle Measures

Although there is little evidence that dietary measures have any effect on brain cancer, some studies suggest the following might be helpful.

Dietary Restriction. Calorie restriction has been associated with cancer protection in some animal studies. One study reported brain tumor regression in mice that were put on a restrictive diet (calories are reduced but without causing nutritional deficiencies). Limiting calories appeared to help slow down tumor angiogenesis (blood vessel growth, which feeds the tumor). Not all animal studies support these results, however, and there are no human studies on this approach.

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Soy. One study suggested that compounds in soy, such as genistein, suppresses invasiveness and growth of some cancers, including gliomas. It is not known whether this approach is beneficial to patients with brain tumors, however.