You know that diet plays an important role in helping to prevent cancer, but it's also important while you're receiving treatment for your cancer. Sarcomas are rare, but treatment can affect many parts of your body and can implicate your nutritional status. Knowing how the cancer and its treatment affect you can help you develop strategies to maintain your nutritional status.
Sarcoma
Sarcomas are rare, affecting 1 percent of adults with cancer and 15 percent of children with cancer. Sarcomas affect either bone or tissue, and there are a number of different types including liposarcomas, Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcomas and angiosarcomas. Sarcomas do not cause symptoms until the disease is more advanced, making early detection and diagnosis difficult. Most sarcomas, if they have not spread to other parts of your body, can be removed through surgery. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be necessary.
Poor Appetite
The sarcoma and its treatment may cause a number of side effects, including loss of appetite. Nutrition is tantamount to your recovery. Food provides your body with the nutrients it needs to fight the cancer, rebuild tissue after surgery and support immune health. Food is also a source of energy and is important for quality of life. If you're having difficulty eating because of the sarcoma and its treatment, you may want to discuss your diet with your doctor or a dietitian. You may benefit from a nutritional supplement or an appetite stimulant.
Weight Loss
You may also experience weight loss as a result of your sarcoma and your mode of treatment. Weight loss can also be a result of inadequate intake caused by your poor appetite. This could lead to protein-calorie malnutrition, the most common secondary diagnosis of cancer patients, according to Continuum Cancer Centers of New York. Weight loss and poor intake causes muscle wasting and increases your risk of infection, poor response to treatment and even death. Eating when your hungry, and selecting foods you enjoy can help improve your intake to prevent weight loss. It also helps if you eat small meals more often.
Digestive Effects
Treatment for your sarcoma can also cause digestive problems, including constipation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. For constipation, try to eat more foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and drink plenty of fluids. For nausea and vomiting, eat more dry foods, such as crackers, dry cereal or toast and avoid fried and spicy foods. If you're experiencing diarrhea, drink plenty of fluids and include more bland foods such as plain cooked meats and starches.
