Article By:
- Michelle McDermott – B.Dietetics(UP), M.Therapeutic Nutrition(US)
Nutrition plays a critical role in cancer care, from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship. A patient with cancer presents with specific nutrition demands based on the type of cancer, the treatment required (for example surgery for tumor resection which may affect digestion, pre-existing conditions (eg. diabetes) and the metabolic changes that come with cancer. Optimal nutritional status improves a patient’s ability to tolerate anti-cancer therapy, is associated with a reduction in post-surgical complications following surgery, and has a positive impact on long-term outcomes, including survival.
Key roles of nutrition include:
1. Maintaining strength and energy
Eating adequate calories, protein, vitamins and minerals from food is vital to preserve nutritional status. Adequate nutritional intake will help maintain weight and specifically muscle mass. A significant weight loss can result in a poorer quality of life (limited mobility, weakness, fatigue) as well as result in delays or reductions in treatment doses. Oral supplements do play a role through the cancer treatment journey and can support intake at times when food intake may be difficult but should always be used in conjunction with food and as recommended by a health care professional.
2. Reducing the risk for malnutrition
Metabolic changes related to the diagnosis of cancer include increased breakdown of muscle mass as well as loss of appetite. These metabolic changes, coupled with side effects of treatment (nausea,
vomiting, taste changes etc.) can result in malnutrition. Malnutrition can be found in patients who may be overweight or obese based on the loss of muscle mass. Malnutrition can also be found from the point of diagnosis and not only in advanced stages of cancer. Low muscle mass has been shown to increase the risk of dose-limiting toxicity during chemotherapy and can directly compromise the efficacy and outcomes of the prescribed treatment. Early nutrition intervention (nutritional counseling, food adjustments, appropriate supplementation) with a dietitian can assist in reducing malnutrition through treatment and promote cancer survivors who have better quality of life.
3. Managing side effects
Adjusting food choices and textures can assist with side effects that can come with treatments.
4. Improving quality of life as a survivor and reducing future risk
Becoming a cancer survivor is the goal of treatment. Maintaining optimal nutrition through treatment, creates a cancer survivor with a better quality of life. Improving total nutritional status as a survivor including increasing fiber intake, optimal weight maintenance, regular exercise and making better food choices can reduce the risk for cancer recurrence and the development of secondary cancers. Nutritional requirements and interventions through the cancer journey should be varied and individualized based on the patient’s requirements, preferences, and tolerances.
“Every time you eat, it’s an opportunity to nourish your body. Eat better, not less.”