Andorran Cancer Association Hosts Gut Health Cooking Workshop for Colon Cancer Patients

The Andorran Association Against Cancer (ASSANDCA) held the second session of the seventh edition of *La Paella pel Mànec* on Tuesday at the Lycée Comte de Foix's training restaurant, where a full house gathered for a healthy cooking demonstration focused on boosting gut flora for colon cancer patients.

Organized by the school's hospitality section and guided by clinical nutritionist Noemí Ruiz—an oncology specialist at the AMB medical centre and ASSANDCA collaborator—the workshop featured recipes like ginseng smoothies, apple and rhubarb crumble, and cabbage cannelloni with lentils and yogurt sauce. Participants received practical advice on balanced foods, simple cooking techniques, fiber intake, and reducing processed meats to support intestinal microbiota and digestive health. Chef and Lycée instructor Hugues Lemarignier praised the initiative for engaging students in identifying healthier ingredients.

Timed with World Cancer Day, the event highlighted nutrition's importance in improving quality of life for cancer patients and the wider public. Attendees, including repeat participants like Ramon Sánchez, appreciated the break from routine: "You spend a pleasant afternoon, step away from daily habits, and learn new things." First-timer Dolors Baró added that it helps "distract us from not thinking about our illness and pain, which is very hard to endure." Volunteer Meritxell Perpiñán, who attended the first session this year, valued the emotional bonds formed: "It distracts you from worries... We create harmonious links, eager to learn self-care we didn't know before."

Some participants voiced frustrations with administrative hurdles alongside their health battles. Matilde Martos, an ASSANDCA member, described financial penalties from the CASS social security system during extended sick leave—"After a year, they penalize you and you end up receiving 60%"—compounded by family expenses and lack of disability recognition from Conava. She noted ASSANDCA's support, including Barcelona accompaniment and information otherwise unavailable, as a vital counterbalance.

The strong demand, with all spots filled quickly, signals rising interest in these workshops, which blend education, support, and community for those affected by cancer.