Proper nutrition is essential for living well during and after cancer treatment. To get an inside look at how nutrition and oncology work together in cancer care, Cancer.Net talked with two oncology dietitians.
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When you have cancer, it can be a challenge to eat well and get the nutrition that you need. It is important to find ways to maintain a healthy weight and eat nutritious foods. You also should drink plenty of water.
Appetite loss or poor appetite are common side effects from cancer and its treatment. This means that you may eat less than usual, not feel hungry at all, or feel full after eating only a small amount.
Ongoing appetite loss may lead to serious complications. These include weight loss, not getting the nutrients that the body needs, and fatigue and weakness from muscle loss, which is called cachexia (see below). These issues can slow recovery and lead to breaks in treatment.
Medication plays an important role in relieving pain caused by cancer and its treatment, but it is not the only option. There are many medication-free ways to help you manage pain. The most successful plans to control pain often combine several methods.
During cancer treatment, you may find it hard to maintain your weight. Some people lose weight. Others gain weight. Slight increases in weight during cancer treatment are usually not a problem. But if you gain too much weight, it can affect your health.
