Cancer is a serious disease that occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably. Many of the treatments for cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation treatments, also put a strain on the body. Consequently, people who have cancer often need to follow special diets to help keep their bodies strong during both the treatment and recovery phases of their disease.
Anorexia and Cachexia
Two common problems for cancer patients are anorexia and cachexia. Anorexia, the National Cancer Institute explains, is a loss of appetite which can occur early in the course of cancer or later, as the cancerous cells spread. Cachexia, which is the wasting away of fat and muscle, may occur with anorexia in people who have cancer. In both cases, proper diet and nutrition are needed to help prevent the cancer patient from becoming malnourished.
Importance of Proper Diet
The right diet is essential for patients both before and during cancer treatment, NutritionVista explains. A patient's diet before treatment will help increase the body's energy reserves and can ensure a healthy immune system, which allows the body to combat the cancer. During treatment diet is also important to keep the side effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation from exhausting thee body as well as to help minimize the side effects of treatment.
Calories and Cancer Patients
The caloric content of food determine how much energy it can provide for the patient. Because cancer stresses the body, cancer patients often burn more calories than usual. As a result, many doctors with recommend a diet which is high in calories for their cancer patients, the National Cancer Institute reports. A high protein diet may also be recommended, as the amino acids found in proteins can be important for rebuilding cells.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are also important for keeping the body healthy as it deals with the effects of cancer. Cancer patients may develop altered eating habits which can make it difficult to get enough vitamins and minerals each day for the immune system to function properly, so vitamin supplements may be indicated for people who suffer from cancer. On the other hand, these supplements must be used with care, as taking too much of a vitamin or mineral can be toxic to the body, the American Cancer Society states.
Feeding Methods
Anorexia and nausea, which can be caused by cancer and its treatments, can make eating difficult. Some patients are able to eat normally; however, for some patients alternative methods of providing nutrition may be needed. A feeding tube can be used to get a highly nutritious liquid diet directly into the stomach. In other cases, total parenteral nutrition, which involves infusing the blood with nutrients through a vein may be needed.
