According to the National Institute of Health, 40 to 80 percent of cancer patients will reach varying levels of malnutrition during the course of the disease. There are ways to combat this by adjusting your diet to help withstand the effects of cancer and its treatment. Nutritional needs vary from patient to patient according to the stage of cancer, age of patient and overall health factors. A cancer dietitian is an important part of the care team and will work with patients and families to maintain nutritional goals.
Not everyone with cancer has nutrition-related side effects, but often cancer and treatments make it difficult to eat. Consuming healthy foods before, during and after treatment can help you feel better and stay strong. Good nutrition is especially important as your body changes the way it uses nutrients during this time and how you tolerate certain foods. This may mean eating things that aren’t normally recommended when you are in good health including high-calorie, protein-dense foods. Maintaining your weight can help you keep up your strength, better tolerate side effects caused by treatment, lower your risk of infection and assist in the healing and recovery process.
It is a priority for the cancer care team to help patients complete treatments successfully and maintain energy. A dietitian can help identify what roles proteins, carbohydrates, fats, supplements, antioxidants and water play in your diet. Learning as much as you can about your cancer type, your treatment plan and how you might feel during treatment, allows you to plan for changes that may occur. Knowing about common potential side effects such as constipation, loss of appetite, taste changes and nausea can help you be better prepared and allow you to feel more in control.
Another aspect of diet to consider is that your body won’t be able to defend itself well against germs at certain points in treatment, so food safety is another priority. Healthy foods can help your immune system, and avoiding certain foods like sushi, undercooked meats, expired food or unwashed produce is equally important.
We all understand that diet has a vital role to play in our overall health. For cancer patients, devising a practical plan for maintaining a nutritious diet can help in all other aspects of treatment and healing.
Anna Most, M.S., R.D.N., is a registered dietitian and sees patients in the Pardee Cancer Wellness Center on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland.
