Cancer & Nutrition

As research continues to reinforce the connections between nutrition, metabolism, and disease, diet emerges as a promising tool in cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Gerardo Mackenzie, Professor and Chair of the UC Davis Department of Nutrition, is leading innovative research that explores how dietary factors influence cancer development, progression, and response to therapy; particularly with pancreatic cancer. By studying the interactions among diet, metabolism, and the immune system, this work aims to better understand how nutrition can support more effective cancer treatments.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, killing 87% of patients within five years. Previous studies have shown that obesity can increase pancreatic cancer risk by around 50%. In a new study from the University of California, Davis, researchers showed evidence that switching from a high-fat diet to a low-fat diet slowed pancreatic precancer development in mice, even after weight gain and precancerous changes began. The research was published in the Journal of Nutrition.

Food banks and food pantries are often the last line of defense against food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 13% of Americans faced food insecurity at some point in 2022. Hunger isn’t the only issue. Food must be nutritious to be beneficial. Lack of nutrients can lead to numerous chronic illnesses including cancer.