Gastric cancer, also called stomach cancer, affects the lining of the stomach. Gastric cancer as well as its treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often affect nutrition. According to the National Cancer Institute, people with gastric cancer may experience fatigue, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and may feel full after eating only a small amount of food. Good nutrition, however, is one of the keys to staying healthy. It can boost your energy levels, help your body heal faster from surgery, fight infections and prevent excessive weight loss.
Nutrition After Surgery
Surgery to remove all or part of your stomach is often part of a treatment plan for gastric cancer. After gastric surgery, you may require supplemental vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B12, iron, calcium and Vitamin D. Your doctor will prescribe you the vitamin and mineral supplements your body needs, and it is important to always discuss any supplements with your doctor before taking them.
After gastric surgery, your stomach will hold less food so it is important to eat six to eight small meals and snacks throughout the day. Choose foods that are soft, well-cooked and low in fiber as these will be easier for your body to digest while it heals.
Dumping Syndrome
Dumping syndrome, which is not unusual after stomach surgery, occurs when food and liquids move too quickly into the small intestine, often caused by eating too large of a meal or too much sugar. Symptoms of dumping syndrome include nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and dizziness. Eating small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day and avoiding very sweet foods can help lessen these symptoms. Try drinking liquids between meals, rather than with meals, to avoid an overly full stomach. A registered dietitian can help you set up an eating plan to meet your specific nutrition needs.
Treatment Side Effects
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often used to treat cancer, and may have side effects that affect nutrition. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, poor appetite and diarrhea. For nausea and vomiting, try eating small frequent meals throughout the day, and choose foods that are easy to digest such as crackers, toast, bananas, yogurt and rice, as recommended by the American Cancer Society. If you have a poor appetite, set a goal of eating eight small meals per day and choose foods that are high in calories. For diarrhea, the American Cancer Society recommends low-fiber foods. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables and whole-grain products.
Supplemental Nutrition
In some cases, you may not be able to eat enough food to get the nutrition you need while undergoing treatment of gastric cancer. Supplemental nutrition can ensure that your body gets the nutrition it needs.
There are two different routes for supplemental nutrition that may be used when a person is being treated for gastric cancer, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Enteral nutrition is nourishment via a feeding tube placed either into your stomach or your small intestine. Parenteral nutrition is nourishment that goes directly into your vein. Both enteral and parenteral nutrition can provide your body with the calories, protein vitamins, minerals and fluid that your body needs until you are able to eat well again.
