People with colon cancer who undergo treatment may find that certain side effects make it difficult if not impossible to eat properly. Cancer treatment is aggressive and kills healthy cells as well as cancerous ones. As a result, the greatest challenge for patients with colon cancer is often to consume enough calories and protein to maintain strength and endure the cancer treatment. Patients with colon cancer can eat high calorie, high protein foods that tend to be lower in fiber to minimize gas, bloating and diarrhea during treatment.
Side Effects
Colon cancer treatment can cause numerous side effects that may have an impact on your appetite, as well as your comfort level while eating. These side effects include constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. If your are undergoing radiation therapy, you may also develop mouth sores, throat pain and sore gums, making it difficult to eat. If you experience these symptoms, soft, cold foods that do not require chewing may help soothe your sore throat. These foods include milkshakes, smoothies, yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, chilled applesauce and gelatin.
Calories
When you have colon cancer, you must consume high calorie foods to help maintain your weight and supply your body with enough energy to withstand the cancer treatment and heal. Appropriate high calorie foods include creamy sauces, gravies, ice cream, nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter and sesame butter, mashed potatoes with butter and cream and mashed sweet potatoes with butter and cream. Calories are vital for survival and as such, the Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center recommends that colon cancer patients never miss meals even if side effects make eating painful or difficult. Meal replacement drinks can help with caloric maintenance.
Protein
Protein is also vital for colon cancer patients to maintain muscle mass during treatment. If side effects are severe, soy and whey protein shakes can help you maintain protein intake. Another option if to eat pureed meat such as chicken, turkey and beef. Omega-3-rich forms of protein, such as salmon and sardines, may also help to stimulate appetite, according to Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center.
Fats
You can also derive your much-needed calories from fats. Full fat dairy products, such as whole milk, cottage cheese, cream, whipped cream, cream cheese, and butter, can keep your caloric intake high while you are undergoing treatment. Other high fat options include mayonnaise and salad dressings.
References
- eMed TV; Colon Cancer Nutrition; Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D.; September 2010
- Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Center: Nutrition and Colon Cancer; Eating to Fight and Prevent Colorectal Cancer
- Cancer Nutrition Center: Nutrition During Treatment; Carolyn Katzin, M.S., C.N.S., M.N.T.
- National Cancer Institute: Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care; December 2010
