The World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated World Cancer Day on February 4, 2021 under the theme “I am and I will”. Cancer is defined as a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade/spread to other parts of the body.
Chemotherapy is the treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells/ by stopping them from dividing.
Good nutrition is very important during cancer treatment as it improves its effectiveness, resulting in better outcomes; however, both malnutrition (lack of nutrients) and weight loss can make it harder for the body to rebuild healthy cells between chemotherapy cycles; contributing to delays in treatment schedules and preventing successful outcomes.
Side effects occur when healthy cells become damaged; however, the severities vary from person to person. Many side effects go away fairly quickly, but some may take months or even years to go away completely.
The following are possible side effects caused by chemotherapy and suggestions in alleviating these symptoms:
Weight loss - eat more frequently, choose nutrient-dense foods/beverages
Loss of appetite - gets help in preparing meals, eat your favourite desserts
Nausea/vomiting - choose dry foods (crackers), avoid greasy foods and all unpleasant scent
Constipation - eat fiber-rich foods, drink lots of fluids
Diarrhea – keep hydrated, limit gas-forming foods
Mouth inflammation - avoid spicy, salty, rough, citrus and hot temperature foods, drink from a straw
Taste change - eat your favourite foods, add mild seasonings to your foods, and eat from plastic containers
Decreased white blood cell - avoid eating expired foods, practice good personal hygiene
Dehydration - drink lots of fluids
Satiety - choose nutrient-rich foods/beverages, drink after eating
Proper nutrition is important as eating healthy and well-balanced diets before, during or after treatment help to build strength and immunity.
Written by Kiwanian Stacey- Ann McNeil (Registered Dietitian)
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