Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer—

What are some of the benefits of good nutrition during cancer treatment?

• The right eating plan can help patients cope better with the side effects of treatment. Patients with good nutrition may be able to tolerate higher doses of certain treatments.
• Good eating plans can help patients keep up their strength and help repair body tissues that are affected by treatment.
• A good eating plan can help keep the immune system working at its best. This also helps fight cancer and prevent infections.
• Patients who are well nourished may have a better quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

Weight Loss or Weight Gain—

What will the dietitian do to help with nutrition problems?

• Create an eating plan based on each patient's type of cancer, treatment, side effects, and food needs.
• Provide written booklets that discuss how to have good nutrition when coping with side effects.
• Work with your doctor to help you cope with eating-related side effects that require medicine.
• Provide tips on how to prevent weight loss during treatment.
• Help patients with tube feedings.
• Provide advice on vitamins and minerals: what doses are safe and when are these supplements harmful or dangerous.
• Provide tips on where to find reliable diet and health information.
• Help patients who are on a special diet because they have weak immune systems.
• Provide recipes and information on diet and cancer prevention.