There is no single diet for cancer treatment. The recommended dietary advice will differ between patients according to their diagnosis and treatment regimen. Additionally, a patient may be advised to change diet throughout his treatment to help manage certain side effects caused by the disease or its treatment. The only universal recommendations for cancer patients are to eat enough to maintain weight and lean body mass and to choose nutrient-dense foods rather than those with empty calories.
High-energy, High-protein Foods
Anorexia is a loss of appetite or desire to eat. It is a common symptom of people in treatment for cancer. Many patients report anorexia before they are even diagnosed or begin treatment. Anorexia is the most common cause of malnutrition in cancer patients and can lead to cachexia, which is a wasting syndrome that causes weakness and weight loss, including fat and muscle. Eating less and using more calories, due to the stress placed on the body by cancer, causes cachexia. Cachexic patients will become weak and may be unable to resist infection or withstand the cancer treatment. To maintain weight and lean body mass, patients should monitor their weight, eat small frequent meals, maintain hydration, and choose plenty of high-energy, high protein foods. Examples include eggs, lean poultry and fish, beans, peas and lentils, nuts and nut butters, soups, and shakes or smoothies.
Nutrient-rich Plant Foods
Although patients are often advised to eat high-calorie, high-protein diets, this does not mean they should sacrifice their intake of high-nutrient foods like fruits and vegetables. Whether via fresh, dried or juice, patients need the nutrients and phytonutrients provided by these plant foods to support their immune system as they progress through treatment and beyond.
Managing Treatment Side Effects
Special diets are usually recommended to manage side effects like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or swallowing problems. Often these diets are temporary. Patients requiring these diets should meet with a registered dietitian to create an individualized plan to maintain weight, nutrient quality and help manage treatment side effects.
Nutrition Supplements
Many patients benefit from nutrition supplements, such as medical nutrition drinks and foods. Fewer patients may require tube feedings or IV nutrition to support them through treatment. Patients should consult their doctor and a registered dietitian regarding choosing the products most appropriate.
Prevention of Secondary Disease
Proper nutrition helps cancer patients get the nutrients needed to maintain body weight and strength, prevent body tissue breakdown, rebuild tissue and fight off infection. Following successful treatment, patients' goals may turn to prevention of cancer recurrence and secondary disease. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends that cancer survivors follow these simple dietary guidelines to reduce their risk: eat mostly plant foods; limit red meat like beef, lamb and pork; and avoid processed meats like hot dogs and deli meat. Beyond food choice, it is important to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight and manage stress.
