A healthy diet and good nutrition are important throughout an individual's life, but especially during illness. Individuals with colon cancer have special nutritional needs during and after treatment. Although nutrition cannot cure cancer, it can strengthen the immune system and build up strength, helping an individual better able to tolerate treatment. Once cancer treatment ends, good nutrition can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Significance
Approximately 102,900 new colon cancer diagnoses will be made in the United States in 2010, according to the National Cancer Institute. The American Cancer Society states that in the United States, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.
Nutrition and Risk Factors
There are a variety of risk factors for developing colon cancer, including lifestyle factors. According to the American Cancer Society, obesity and certain kinds of diets may increase the risk of developing this cancer, including consuming large amounts of red or processed meats. Conversely, a diet high in fiber and fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. A healthy diet can also reduce the risk of a recurrence of colon cancer. Dr. Jeffrey Meyerhardt from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, found that colon cancer survivors who ate a "Western" diet high in red meat, fatty foods and desserts were three and a half times more likely than those whose diets were least "Western."
Treatment
Treatment for colon cancer may include several modalities, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or targeted therapies. These treatments can be demanding on the body, and maintaining strength is important for wound healing, building the immune system and dealing with side effects of treatments, says the National Cancer Institute. Extra protein and calories are typically required, and fiber needs may need to be changed, depending on treatment side effects an individual experiences.
Post-Treatment Nutrition
After treatment for colon cancer, getting adequate nutrition can be a problem. Some individuals develop a lack of appetite, and eating several smaller meals each day can help ensure an individual gets enough calories, says the American Cancer Society. Fatigue is a common side effect experienced by cancer survivors, even after treatment has ended. Exercise, even walking, can help relieve this condition. The American Cancer Society states that in patients with Stage I, II or III colon cancers, those patients who exercised after a diagnosis of colon cancer reduced the risk of death from the disease by approximately half.
Warning
Prior to making any major changes to a diet or starting a new exercise routine, talking to a health care professional can be beneficial. Dietitians who specialize in working with cancer patients can help develop a meal plan that provides the necessary nutrients needed during and after cancer treatment, and help determine which foods are best, based on any side effects from treatment.
