Nutrition and cancer

It is always important to eat well. If you have a malignancy or cancer, it is especially important because any type of therapy used in the treatment of the malignancy or cancer is very stressful to your body. The calories and nutrients in food provide energy and help heal and repair tissue.

The side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy can make it difficult to eat because of mouth soreness, difficulty swallowing, and nausea. Being nervous or worried can result in a loss of appetite. To overcome these side effects try:

• massage
• hypnosis
• muscle relaxation or
• biofeedback

These therapies have been shown to decrease the duration and frequency of nausea and to reduce anxiety levels. Nausea and vomiting may also be controlled by medications.

Work with your healthcare team to make sure everything is being done to keep you as well nourished as possible. Proper nourishment decreases the risk of getting an infection. If weight loss occurs, changes in the dose or type of the chemotherapy drugs may be needed. Fluids also play a vital role in keeping all body systems functioning properly. It is extremely important that cancer patients adhere to the dietary guidelines provided by their healthcare team.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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