Good Nutrition Is Important In Cancer Care

Nutrition is a process in which food is taken in and used by the body for growth, to keep the body healthy, and to replace tissue. Good nutrition is important for good health. Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after cancer treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger.

A healthy diet includes eating and drinking enough of the foods and liquids that have important nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water) the body needs.

Healthy eating habits are important during and after cancer treatment.

As Nutritionists, we help our patients keep a healthy body weight, maintain strength, keep body tissue healthy, and decrease side effects both during and after treatment.

Cancer and cancer treatments may cause side effects that affect nutrition.

For many patients, the effects of cancer and cancer treatments make it hard to eat well.  Cancer and cancer treatments may affect taste, smell, appetite, and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food. This can cause malnutrition, which is a condition caused by a lack of key nutrients. Alcohol abuse and obesity may increase the risk of malnutrition. Malnutrition can cause the patient to be weak, tired, and unable to fight infection or finish cancer treatment. Eating the right amount of protein and calories is important for healing, fighting infection, and having enough energy.

Anorexia and cachexia are common causes of malnutrition in cancer patients.

Anorexia is the loss of appetite or desire to eat. It is a common symptom and the most common cause of malnutrition. Cachexia is a condition marked by weakness, weight loss, and fat and muscle loss. It is common in cancer patients who are eating well, but are not storing fat and muscle because of tumour growth. Sometimes, anorexia and cachexia occur at the same time.

Side effects from chemotherapy may cause problems with eating and digestion.

The following side effects are common:

Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Dry mouth.
Sores in the mouth or throat.
Changes in the way food tastes.
Trouble swallowing.
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
Constipation.
Diarrhoea.
Patients receiving hormone therapy may need changes in their diet to prevent weight gain.

Radiation therapy to any part of the digestive system has side effects that cause nutrition problems. Most of the side effects begin two to three weeks after radiation therapy begins and go away a few weeks after it is finished. However, some side effects can continue for months or years after treatment ends.

The following are some of the more common side effects:

For radiation therapy to the brain or head and neck
Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Dry mouth or thick saliva. Medication may be given to treat a dry mouth.
Sore mouth and gums.
Changes in the way food tastes.
Trouble swallowing.
Pain when swallowing.
Being unable to fully open the mouth.
For radiation therapy to the chest
Loss of appetite.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Trouble swallowing.
Pain when swallowing.
Choking or breathing problems caused by changes in the upper esophagus.

For radiation therapy to the abdomen, pelvis, or rectum
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Bowel obstruction.
Colitis.
Diarrhoea.
Radiation therapy may also cause tiredness, which can lead to a decrease in appetite.

Surgery increases the body's need for nutrients and energy.

The body needs extra energy and nutrients to heal wounds, fight infection, and recover from surgery. If the patient is malnourished before surgery, it may cause problems during recovery, such as poor healing or infection. For these patients, nutrition care may begin before surgery. Surgery to the head, neck, esophagus, stomach, or intestines may affect nutrition.

The following are nutrition problems caused by surgery:

Loss of appetite.
Trouble chewing.
Trouble swallowing.
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food.
Immunotherapy

How to Manage Symptoms
When side effects of cancer or cancer treatment affect normal eating, changes can be made to help the patient get the nutrients they need. Eating foods that are high in calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals is important. Meals should be planned to meet the patient's nutrition needs and tastes in food.

The following are some of the more common symptoms caused by cancer and cancer treatment and ways to treat or control them.

Anorexia: Eat foods that are high in protein and calories.  Ask us for the appropriate high-protein food choices

Nausea: Eat foods that appeal to you. Ask us for the appropriate foods that are easy-to-digest and gentle on the stomach 

Dry Mouth: Eat foods that are easy to swallow. Ask us for the best moisten foods to help you make more saliva

Mouth Sores: Eat soft foods that are easy to chew. Ask us for tips on how to prepare high-caloric foods that can be safely consumed without pain or discomfort 

Taste Changes: Ask us for tips on how to 'mask' the bitter/metallic taste of foods and improve/maintain your weight 

Sore Throat and Trouble Swallowing: Eat soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Ask us for foods/recipes that deliver moisten food 

Lactose Intolerance: With many options on the market, which lactose-free foods is best for you? Ask us!

Weight Gain:  Some medications increase weight: Ask us how to keep a good BMI!