Malnutrition & Cancer

05 April 2019

The role of nutrition in battling cancer 

 

Eat to live or live to eat?

For cancer patients in general, this is not a question of opinion but rather a question of survival. Cancer patients are at higher risk of malnutrition compared to the general population. Malnutrition in cancer patients occur when their protein and energy intake is less than required by the body. The consequence of this is weight loss and reduction in body fat and muscles.

Malnutrition should be identified at an earliest stage possible to prevent the body from responding poorly to cancer treatment and recovery process.

There are many factors that increase risk of malnutrition among cancer patients, including:

• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments will increase your protein and energy needs.

• The side effects of cancer treatment - for example, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can make it difficult to eat, and the food you do eat might not be absorbed as well as usual.

• The type of cancer you have and the body part affected – cancer in the head, neck or gastrointestinal system can affect your ability to swallow or to digest your food.

• Hospital stay – being unwell in hospital can affect your appetite and your ability to take in food.

• Anxiety or depression – being unwell and living with a cancer diagnosis is understandably stressful and can lead to anxiety or depression, which can impact on your nutritional intake.

The prime concern of malnutrition in cancer patients is the lack of strength it gives the body to undergo treatment. There is also a risk of infection and prolonged stay in hospital. Therefore it is advisable for cancer patients to keep a check on their diet. They need to be alert on any signs of malnourishment.  

• Eating less than usual, feeling full quickly or not eating between meals

• Even a small drop in weight (3 – 4 kg) without trying can put you at risk of being malnourished. It is possible to be malnourished even if you are overweight.

• Not taking part in physical activities as before.

Eat to Live…Preventing Malnutrition

Malnutrition can be prevented. Do not let cancer or its treatment take hold of your recovery process. Consult your doctor or dietitian regularly.

Tips to manage eating problems during treatment:

1.    Eat 5 to 6 meals and snack throughout the day.

2.    Drink less liquid during meal time.

3.    Take nutrient-dense food and beverages.

4.    Choose high protein high energy nutritional drinks.

       Seek advice from dietitian for the right options.

5.    Adjust seasoning and spices in cooking for the taste you desire.

6.    Eat dried and fresh tangy fruits, lemon drops and mint.

7.    Sips clear, cold and non-acidic liquid

Boost energy and protein intake for recovery:

•      High energy meals are foods added with fats and sugar. Eg; honey, jam, fruit juices, full cream dairy products. Allow some cooking with added healthy oil and fat, such as olive oil, corn oil, avocado, and nut spread.

•      High protein foods are meat, poultry, egg, fish, milk and dairy products, soy, soy milk, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.

 

   Back