Diet - cancer treatment

Alternative names

Cancer treatment and nutrition

Definition

Nutritional planning and management for people with cancer.

Function

People with cancer are at risk for developing nutritional deficiencies. The deficiencies may be the result of the cancer itself, or the side effects of common cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Malignancies directly compromise nutritional status by altering metabolism and causing loss of appetite. Changes in metabolism include an increased basal metabolic rate and increased total energy expenditure. This elevation in energy use means you'll require more calories to maintain your current weight and lean body mass.

There are also individual alterations in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. These changes contribute to the loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (fat) stores. Cancer-associated anorexia is probably the result of physiological changes but may also be due to a psychological response to the disease.

There are several factors that may contribute to the type and degree of nutrient deficiencies:

• the primary organ where the malignancy occurs
  
• the severity of the cancer at the time of diagnosis
  
• the symptoms experienced by the person with cancer
  
• the type and frequency of the cancer treatment being used and the side effects associated with that treatment (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy)
  
• the effect of the malignancy or disease on food and nutrient ingestion, tolerance, and utilization
  

Food Sources

People with cancer frequently require a high-calorie diet to prevent weight loss. They may also need a diet that is high in protein to prevent muscle wasting. Foods that are high in calories and protein include peanut butter, whole milk, milkshakes, meats, and cheeses.

Some individuals with cancer develop an aversion to fats. High-protein foods with a lower fat content must then be incorporated (low-fat shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese, lean meats).

For the diet to remain well-balanced, eating fruits and vegetables is essential. To increase calories, use more fruit juices or dried fruits rather than whole fruits. Choosing calorie-dense vegetables such as corn, peas, and squashes will also increase the calories in the diet.

Side Effects

The side effects of common cancer therapies vary according to the treatment and the area of the body undergoing treatment. The following are some side effects and some helpful suggestions. They do not replace, but rather complement, medication that may be used to alleviate these symptoms.