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Nutrition During Cancer TreatmentÌý

It is very important to maintain proper nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. Such treatments may involveÌýradiation therapy,Ìýchemotherapy,Ìýhormone therapy,Ìýbiological immunotherapy, and/orÌýsurgery. These procedures and medications can cause many individuals toÌýlose their appetiteÌýand energy, putting them at an increased risk for malnutrition.

Food choices for individuals with cancer who are undergoing treatment may be very different from what they are used to eating.ÌýThe main goal is to try to maintain a healthy weight.ÌýIn order to minimize weight changes, heal properly, and maintain the energy to cope with all the new challenges treatment may bring, individuals should try to eat a wide variety ofÌýhigh-calorieÌýandÌýhigh-protein foods.

Sometimes, the dietary recommendations given by a dietitian may sound like the opposite of a healthy diet. The care team may encourage patients to follow a high-calorie, high-protein diet, especially if they are feeling weak or are underweight. Although individuals with cancer may not feel well or may not feel like eating, proper attention to nutrition can assist in an easier recovery.

Overall, try to make food choices that provide enough calories (to maintain weight), protein (to help rebuild tissues that cancer treatment may harm), nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, and fluids (essential for the body's functioning). Also, exercise can help with appetite and digestion issues related to treatment.

If there are questions about nutrition needs, please ask the treatment team for a nutrition referral to speak with a registered dietitian.

The following videos are part of our Thrive Series, which provides additional education from our very own À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Clinical Dietitians for patients planning for or undergoing cancer treatment: