Nutrition
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
The following Nutrition Guide was developed by the National Cancer Institute.
Good Nutrition is Important for Cancer Patients
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 the patient feel better and stay stronger. A healthy diet includes eating and drinking enough of the foods and liquids that have the important nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water) the body needs.
When the body does not get or cannot absorb the nutrients needed for health, it causes a condition called malnutrition or malnourishment. This summary is about nutrition in adults with cancer.
Healthy Eating Habits Are Important During Cancer Treatment
Nutrition therapy is used to help cancer patients get the nutrients they need to keep up their body weight and strength, keep body tissue healthy, and fight infection. Eating habits that are good for cancer patients can be very different from the usual healthy eating guidelines.
Healthy eating habits and good nutrition can help patients deal with the effects of cancer and its treatment. Some cancer treatments work better when the patient is well nourished and gets enough calories and protein in the diet. Patients who are well nourished may have a better prognosis (chance of recovery) and quality of life.
Cancer Can Change the Way the Body Uses Food
Some tumors make chemicals that change the way the body uses certain nutrients. The body’s use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat may be affected, especially by tumors of the stomach or intestines. A patient may seem to be eating enough, but the body may not be able to absorb all the nutrients from the food.
Cancer and Cancer Treatments May Affect Nutrition
For many patients, the effects of cancer and cancer treatments make it hard to eat well. Cancer treatments that affect nutrition include: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant.
When the head, neck, esophagus, stomach, or intestines are affected by the cancer treatment, it is very hard to take in enough nutrients to stay healthy. The side effects of cancer and cancer treatment that can affect eating include:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Mouth sores
- Dry mouth
- Trouble swallowing
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
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 (a condition caused by a lack of key nutrients). Malnutrition can cause the patient to be weak, tired, and unable to fight infections or get through cancer treatment. Malnutrition may be made worse if the cancer grows or spreads. Eating too little protein and calories is a very common problem for cancer patients. Having enough 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 (the loss of appetite or desire to eat) is a common symptom in people with cancer. Anorexia may occur early in the disease or later, if the cancer grows or spreads. Some patients already have anorexia when they are diagnosed with cancer. Almost all patients who have advanced cancer will have anorexia. Anorexia is the most common cause of malnutrition in cancer patients.
Cachexia is a condition marked by a loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle loss, and general weakness. It is common in patients with tumors of the lung, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract. It is important to watch for and treat cachexia early in cancer treatment because it is hard to correct.
Cancer patients may have anorexia and cachexia at the same time. Weight loss can be caused by eating fewer calories, using more calories, or both.
It is Important to Treat Weight Loss Caused by Cancer and Its Treatment
It is important that cancer symptoms and side effects that affect eating and cause weight loss are treated early. Both nutrition therapy and medicine can help the patient stay at a healthy weight.
Medicine may be used for the following:
- To help increase appetite.
- To help digest food.
- To help the muscles of the stomach and intestines contract (to keep food moving along).
- To prevent or treat nausea and vomiting.
- To prevent or treat diarrhea.
- To prevent or treat constipation.
- To prevent and treat mouth problems (such as dry mouth, infection, pain, and sores).
- To prevent and treat pain.
Read more on the cancer.gov nutrition page
Local Nutritional Resources
Ceres Community Project
Healing, Food, Community and Youth — Serving Sonoma County
Thanks to the support of the wonderful community of donors, volunteers and business partners, since 2007 the Ceres Community Project teen chefs have prepared over 116,000 meals for people and families struggling with a serious illness like cancer.
The project’s goal is to provide free and nourishing meals and to stop having to turn away teens who want to learn, grow and give back through our garden and culinary programs. Visit their website at ceresproject.org.
National Nutritional Resources
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Cancer strikes about one in three adults over his or her lifetime. The good news: lifestyle changes, along with early detection, can prevent nearly half of all cancer deaths. Your diet is one of the most important factors under your control that can reduce cancer risk.
Food and Cancer
Food has a three-way impact on cancer. Eating well can:
- Lower your risk for developing cancer.
- Positively influence and support cancer treatment.
- Once treatment is complete, help you live well for years to come.
Learn more about diet and cancer. Click the links below!
American Cancer Society
Nutrition for People With Cancer
Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. Eating the right kinds of foods during and after treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger.
Read about the importance of good nutrition during and after cancer treatment here!
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Nutrition in Cancer Care
There is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance to win the fight against cancer. Staying nutritionally fortified is one positive way to take control of your life and your well- being. Optimal nutrition allows your body to function at its best. Maintaining optimal nutrition can provide several benefits for people living with cancer, including:
Support immune function
Preserve lean body cell mass
Rebuild body tissue
Decrease your risk of infection
Improve strength and increase energy
Improve your tolerance to treatment
Help you recuperate faster after treatment
Improve quality of life
Read about Cancer Treatment Centers of America - Nutrition in Cancer Care
National Comprehensive Cancer Care Network
Nutrition for Cancer Survivors
With treatment completed, you no doubt want to put cancer behind you and resume a more normal life. Now is the time to take charge of your health, focus on wellness, and swear off unhealthy habits, such as fast foods and a sedentary lifestyle. Research shows that the best formula for staving off another bout of cancer is proper nutrition combined with weight control and exercise.
- Food and Recurrence
- Weight and Recurrence
- What's Best to Eat?
- To Go or Not to Go Organic