Nutrition for cancer patients

Posted by Master, Doctor Quach Thanh Dung - Head of Internal Oncology Department - Radiation Oncology Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Cancer patients will have to face a lot of problems, their health will decline, therefore, nutrition plays a very important role. A complete nutritional menu plan will contribute to increasing physical strength and resistance for cancer patients and improving the effectiveness of disease treatment.

1. Nutrition is very important for cancer patients Cancer is becoming a burden in Vietnam as well as globally. According to Globocan 2018, in Vietnam each year there are about 164,671 new cases, including about 114,871 deaths. Most patients with terminal cancer die from exhaustion, thin and lose weight before dying from cancerous tumors.
Today, nutrition for cancer patients is a very important and indispensable issue. Most patients, due to lack of knowledge and fear of cancer development or recurrence, do not dare to eat or drink, a macrobiotic diet leads to weight loss, malnutrition, affecting health and quality of life as well. as not healthy enough to treat cancer.
Compliance with adequate and reasonable nutrition is a very important part of effective cancer treatment. Cancer treatment is a long process, including many methods, so building a reasonable diet before, during and after treatment aims to increase the patient's physical strength at the same time. reduce unwanted side effects of cancer treatment methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy ...
To have good health, patients need to eat adequate food to ensure groups of substances: Protein - carbohydrates - fats - vitamins and minerals... A diet rich in fish, vegetables, less meat, drinking lots of water as well as a reasonable exercise and sports regimen. ... will help the body have enough nutrients and health to fight cancer, not "nutrition makes tumors grow faster" as many people still fear. Encouraging the patient to try to stick to the diet is also very important in the battle with cancer.

2. Essential nutrients in daily meals of cancer patients Some nutrients need to be ensured in daily meals for cancer patients including:
Protein: Meat provides the body with all kinds of nutrients. essential amino acids. The diet of cancer patients should be varied and balanced with amino acids, including white meat such as poultry, red meat such as lean pork, beef rich in iron and zinc ... Shrimp, crab, fish, and seafood are also sources of amino acids and calcium for the body. Starch: Includes grains such as: Rice, corn, wheat, barley, tubers such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, taro, cassava.... Avoid processed foods that cause many harmful effects. harmful to the body, at the same time, food additives and preservatives are also one of the factors that contribute to the increased rate of cancer. Fats: As a substance with high energy value, it is necessary to have a certain amount of lipid in the daily diet, in which the content of unsaturated fatty acids does not exceed 50% of the total energy. Vegetables: Use fresh and clean vegetables, ensure food hygiene and safety, store in cold conditions, limit the loss of vitamins during processing as well as preliminary processing and preservation. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps provide vitamins and helps the body digest better.

3. Some notes in nutrition Most cancer patients have anorexia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting not only due to the cancer itself but also due to the influence of other diseases. cancer treatments. Therefore, to minimize these symptoms, patients should:
Regularly keep their teeth clean Eat small meals several times a day; eat more favorite foods and should not eat too much red meat, spices and sauces in dishes...

Chemotherapy often causes anorexia, nausea, vomiting, so the patient needs to drink a lot of water, about > 2 liters of water/day, avoid eating foods with a lot of smell, fried foods with a lot of fat, should eat well. Eat many small meals, avoid eating too much at once. Radiation therapy in the head and neck area can cause a decrease in saliva production and lead to dry mouth, pain, inflammation, restriction of chewing and swallowing movements, etc., contributing to the worsening of anorexia. In this case, it should be noted: Complete oral examination before starting radiotherapy to the head and neck area. Should eat soft food or processed with a lot of water; Chew gum or eat sour fruits to increase saliva production. Avoid eating spicy, hot or cold foods, hard foods, difficult to swallow. Clean your teeth and rinse your mouth at least 4 times a day. Drink a lot of water, over 2 liters of water/day, can drink filtered water, fruit juices. Limiting alcoholic beverages, stimulants... In summary, cancer treatment is a long-term process that requires the patient to have a good health, so a suitable diet with enough nutrition and energy is very important to help improve health, quality of life as well as increase the effectiveness of treatment for cancer patients. Cancer patients need to be examined and consulted at the same time by an oncologist and a nutritionist to build a complete and reasonable diet.
>> See more: Ingredients and uses of Fucoidan supplements - Article by Pharmacist Nguyen Thi Thanh Hoa - Pharmacist Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

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