Stomach, or gastric, cancer and treatments for stomach cancer can affect nutrition. A healthy diet not only prevents cancer but is important during and after cancer treatments to increase strength and energy, prevent infection and malnutrition, and promote healing. The National Cancer Institute states that the best diet for overall health and cancer prevention focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins and eating enough calories to support a healthy weight.
Prevention
Citrus fruits and foods high in vitamins A and C like bell peppers, carrots, berries and green leafy vegetables may prevent stomach cancer. According to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, foods that can cause stomach cancer include dried, smoked, salted and pickled foods that are high in nitrates or nitrites. Alcohol abuse and smoking also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Treatment
Treatments for stomach cancer can affect diet. A gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or part of the stomach. According to Cancer Research UK, gastrectomies can cause an increased feeling of fullness, dumping syndrome, diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion. Side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, taste changes, loss of appetite and mouth sores that making eating painful and difficult. Radiation can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Postsurgical Diet
After a gastrectomy, a person will need to eat smaller meals more frequently due to decreased stomach volume. Cancer Research UK also recommends eating small amounts of fiber at a time and limiting beverages with meals because these can cause premature fullness. Dumping syndrome is common after stomach surgery and occurs when food moves into the small intestine too fast. It can lower blood pressure and cause heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness and a feeling of faintness but can be prevented by eating slowly and avoiding sugary foods. Indigestion may be alleviated by avoiding carbonated beverages; acidic, fatty and spicy foods; and alcohol. Calcium, iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12 may need to be supplemented after surgery because they are usually absorbed through the stomach.
Diet for Chemotherapy and Radiation
Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation will vary from person to person. Individuals experiencing indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation need to stay well hydrated and may benefit from avoiding greasy, spicy, acidic and overly sweet foods. They may also find that small, frequent meals throughout the day and bland foods like crackers, Cream of Wheat and chicken soup help minimize symptoms.
Individuals who lose their appetite should snack on high-calorie, high-protein foods like eggs, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream, granola, pudding, nuts, and canned tuna or chicken throughout the day. Liquid nutritional supplements like Boost and Ensure can also energize the body and support healing.
If a person has mouth sores, soft foods and foods that are in bite-sized pieces can make eating easier. The American Cancer Society suggests eating cream soups, cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt, custard, milkshakes and eggs. Moistening foods with gravy, sauce or syrup can also make chewing and swallowing easier.
Herbs and Supplements
Individuals with stomach cancer may benefit from supplements like a multivitamin. Herbs used with cancer include black cohosh, chamomile, dong quai, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, kava kava, Saint John's wort, ma huang and yohimbe. The NCI warns that herbs can interact with certain foods and medications and interfere with the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Individuals considering herbal therapy should consult a physician.
