**9. Food safety**

Because cancer and its associated treatments can weaken the immune system, food safety is essential. It is very important to avoid being exposed to germs when food is not handled or prepared properly. Hand washing is very important anytime food is going to be handled or eaten. Keeping food at the proper temperature and defrosting frozen foods correctly is also very important. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water before peeling or cutting. Food that has been cut at the grocery store (i.e. melon or squash) should be avoided. Use a clean knife and cutting board to cut different foods, and clean counter tops with hot, soapy water. Foods should be cooked well, but not charred.

Once treatment ends, most eating-related side effects of cancer treatments go away. It is still very important for the patient to continue to eat a healthy diet, in order to regain strength, build tissue, and improve quality of life. Patients will want to continue to eat at least 5-7 fruits and vegetables each day, especially those that are dark-green, deep-yellow, and citrus fruits. Foods high in fiber, including whole-grain breads, should also be consumed. Red meat intake should be limited to no more than 3-4 servings each week. Alcohol consumption should also be limited. Salt-cured, smoked, and pickled foods, such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats, should be avoided. Low-fat milk and dairy products should be selected, and food should be prepared in such a way to reduce the total amount of fat (i.e. bake or broil over fry).
