Wellness Services

NUTRITION

Why is nutrition important?

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential components of cancer care. Some cancer therapies have side effects that can make it difficult for patients to eat well, leading to weight loss and malnutrition and leaving a patient more susceptible to infection. Protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals provide the body with the necessary energy to better tolerate treatment, boost the immune system, and maintain quality of life. As well, good nutrition may enable patients to receive the higher doses of treatment required to fight cancer, which may improve prognosis. It is not necessary to go on a bland diet when starting chemotherapy. In fact, many patients prefer strongly flavored food while they are in treatment.

Do you offer nutritional counseling throughout treatment?

Yes. Personalized nutritional counseling allows a patient to prepare for upcoming nutritional needs with the creation of an individualized plan based on the type of cancer and the specific treatments selected. A dietary counselor helps patients meet their changing nutritional needs as they progress through therapy and recovery.

What are some nutritional needs of patients with cancer?

In general, cancer patients often require an increase in protein and overall caloric intake. Protein facilitates the growth and repair of tissue that has been damaged as a result of therapy. It helps to build muscle mass, which may help patients better withstand treatment, minimizing side effects, and improving recovery.

Strategies for increasing protein and fat include:

Sprinkling cheese in or on foods
Pouring gravies and creams on top of meals
Increasing the amount of butter used when preparing foods
Adding extra protein such as eggs, peanut butter, nuts, tofu and soy milk to meals
Supplementing meals with high protein nutritional drinks, nuts, and avocados as snacks

Please Note: This information is not meant to be all-inclusive but to serve as general information for patients.