Stomach cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world, two-thirds of the cases happen to men, reports HealthCastle.com. The condition occurs when malignant cells grow in the middle lining of the stomach. During treatment and after stomach surgery, your eating habits may need to change. Chemotherapy often treats stomach cancer and causes nausea. If removal of the stomach occurs, you may need to eliminate certain foods in your diet while increasing others. Always work with your medical professional to learn about the appropriate foods that are safe for stomach cancer patients.
During Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemicals to kill cancer cells associated with your condition. The treatment can occur before surgery to shrink tumors, after a gastrectomy to remove any remaining cells or to relieve bothersome signs and symptoms of advanced stomach cancer. Chemotherapy often causes nausea among patients. Though many patients receive anti-nausea medications, the symptoms may still exist. Nausea may or may not be linked to vomiting. Eat nutritious and balanced meals before treatment begins. Avoid foods that are sweet, fatty and fried. Continue to focus on foods that appeal to you. Eat cold foods, or foods that do not need to be warmed up to avoid odors linked to nausea. Eat small frequent meals to prevent malnourishment and keep your body strengthened.
Post-Gastrectomy
Patients suffering from stomach cancer often have a section or entire stomach removed. These patients may continue to suffer from stomach cancer, even after the surgery. It is important to change your diet and eating habits if you have had a gastrectomy. According to Macmillan Cancer Support, dietary issues occur early after surgery or several months later. Patients may feel full much faster immediately after surgery. Eat small meals and avoid drinking beverages with your food or snack. Avoid foods high in dietary fiber, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods will quickly give you a "full" sensation. You are at risk of losing weight and malnutrition if you continue to feel full quickly. Supplement drinks may provide additional energy as well as nutrients.
Drink milk as tolerated. Avoid sweetened dairy foods, such as cocoa, ice cream and puddings, for example. Again, additional sweet foods, such as dried fruits, fruits in heavy syrups and sweetened juice, should also not be consumed. Avoid sugar-coated breakfast foods and opt for whole-wheat toast, bagels and oatmeal. Drink water or sugar-free beverages.
Take supplements as suggested by your doctor including Vitamins C, D and B12 monthly injections. If you have had a partial gastrectomy, you may be able to increase the foods high in these vitamins and avoid the supplements. Foods high in vitamin D include dairy products and leafy green vegetables. Citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, tangerines and as well as orange juice, add additional vitamin C to your diet. After surgery, your body will no longer produce vitamin B12 and monthly shots are required to avoid anemia.
Prevent Stomach Cancer
According to MayoClinic.com, stomach cancer in the United States is on the decline. The highest rates of stomach cancer occur in Japan, reports the medical website. Though an exact cause of the cancer remains unknown, some preventive measure may reduce your risk of developing stomach cancer. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily; aim for six to seven servings. The more colorful your plate is, the more assorted the nutrients you are receiving are. Reduce the amount of salty and smoked foods. Undergo annual testing for stomach cancer if it runs in your family. Stomach cancer is often not detected until the advanced stages.
References
- HealthCastle.com: Stomach Cancer Diet and Nutrition Manual
- MedlinePlus: Bland Diet
- National Cancer Institute: National Gastric Treatment
- Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Anti-Dumping Post-Gastrectomy Diet
- MayoClinic.com: Stomach Cancer: Coping and Support
- MayoClinic.com: Stomach Cancer: Definition
