Posted 16 hours ago
Safe Cookware for Cancer Prevention
When supporting cancer patients, cookware safety is about minimizing exposure to toxic metals, hormone disruptors, and chemical coatings while ensuring food is prepared in the healthiest, least irritating way for a body that may already be vulnerable from treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery).
Use with Caution
– Nonstick (Teflon, PFAS, PTFE coatings) : Can release toxic fumes and endocrine disruptors. Best avoided, especially during treatment.
– Aluminum (non-anodized) : Leaches into food, especially with acidic dishes (tomatoes, lemon).
– Copper (Unlined) : Unsafe; may cause copper toxicity if not lined with stainless steel.
Cooking & Safety Tips for Cancer Patients
– Avoid microwaving in plastic: Chemicals (BPA, phthalates) leach into food. Use glass or ceramic instead.
– Gentle cooking methods: Steaming, poaching, or slow cooking help preserve nutrients and make food easier to digest.
– Check cookware condition: Old, scratched, or peeling pans (especially nonstick) should be replaced.
– Food storage: Use glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic to reduce chemical exposure.
– Hydration support: Glass or stainless-steel water bottles are safer than plastic.
Take AWAY:
For cancer patients, the safest cookware choices are stainless steel, enameled cast iron, glass, and 100% ceramic. These minimize exposure to harmful chemicals while supporting gentle, nutrient-preserving cooking.
Reputable Brands: Xtrema, All-Clad, Le Creuset
Brenda Gridley, CSP, RDN
Brenda is originally from Los Angeles, CA where she attended California State University of Los Angeles for her under graduate degree in Nutritional Science. She began her career with Kaiser Permanente in 2004. Throughout her professional development, she has worked in Cardiology and open heart surgery, Renal/Dialysis, organ transplants and Oncology, including chemotherapy, radiation and head and neck. Brenda has extensive experience with weight management programs, including Bariatric and finally Eating disorders and mindful eating. She went on to specialize in the Pediatric population and has maintained her Certification in Pediatric Nutrition since 2011. Areas she has managed include pediatric and neonatal intensive care units where she was responsible for individualizing therapeutic diets and alternate nutrition support based on specific metabolic needs, medical conditions, and cultural preferences.
Her passion for nutrition was developed at a young age and reared by her grandmother who always instilled the importance of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. When her grandmother became ill, Brenda became aware of the impact nutrition plays in disease prevention and maintaining overall mind and body health. She cared for grandmother until she passed and has made it her goal to help others achieve their full “nutrition potential” with using a culturally sensitive holistic approach.
She is married with two beautiful daughters and in her spare time she enjoys watching movies with her children, experimenting with new recipes, reading mystery novels, running and Yoga.
Please ask your Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers provider for a referral to see our dietary counselors.