Effects of Cancer Treatment | CARER For Nutrition

Cancer and its treatments bring many challenges, and one important area to focus on is cancer nutrition. Eating well helps patients stay strong, cope with treatment side effects, and feel better overall.

Side effects that affect nutrition

The side effects associated with cancer treatment include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, weakness and fatigue, loss of taste and smell, fullness, weight loss, and loss of lean body mass. Cancer may lead to major metabolic and physiological changes before treatment, changing the body's protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, and mineral requirements.

How treatments affect nutrition

Cancer treatments that can affect nutrition include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant. These treatments can intensify issues such as anorexia, which is a loss of appetite; cachexia, which is weakness, weight loss, and loss of fat and muscle; gastrointestinal disturbances; and other nutrition-related side effects.

Goals of nutritional care

The overall goals of nutritional care for cancer patients, even before active treatment begins, are to prevent or reverse nutrient deficiencies, preserve lean body mass, minimize nutrition-related side effects such as nausea, taste changes, appetite loss, or bowel issues, and maximize quality of life.

Managing nutrition during treatment

With proper planning and support, these challenges can be managed. Eating the right foods, consulting a dietitian, and keeping track of nutritional intake can help patients feel better during treatment. Good nutrition is an important part of cancer care. By understanding side effects and addressing them early, patients can maintain their strength, prevent complications, and improve overall well-being. Support from family, caregivers, and healthcare professionals is important to help patients stay nourished and resilient throughout their treatment.