Testicular cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the testicles of men. Symptoms may include a lump in the testicle, groin pain, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and fluid build-up in the scrotum. In most cases, testicular cancer only affects one of the testicles. Speak to your doctor about nutritional guidelines to prevent the disease and what you should eat if you are diagnosed with this form of cancer.
Features
Weight loss is a common occurrence in testicular cancer patients. As your body fights off the disease, energy needs increase. Your doctor may recommend increasing your calorie intake to combat weight loss. Foods high in calories and nutrients that can be part of your diet include dried fruit, nuts, avocado, peanut butter, legume and lean meats. Your doctor is likely to advise you eat small meals frequently over the course of the day.
Effects
Cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiation, may cause side effects that make eating difficult. Common side effects include difficulty swallowing, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Eating meals before or after a treatment session for testicular cancer may help some of these symptoms subside. When you do eat, try to consume mostly bland foods that are cold.
Considerations
Nutritional therapy programs are available to patients with testicular cancer. During the program, you'll meet with a dietitian to determine what type of foods you should eat. The dietitian is likely to recommend plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry and legumes. To prevent nutritional deficiencies from testicular cancer, you may be given supplements, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and selenium.
Potential
Recent studies have explored possible connections between testicular cancer and dietary practices. According to a 2003 study in the International Journal of Cancer, consuming high amounts of dairy products, particularly cheese, may increase your risk of testicular cancer.
