Member - Academy Of Nutrition & Dietetics. USA.
Cancer Nutrition
Cancer is a disease that involves abnormal division and reproduction of cells that can spread to other parts of the body. Carcinogenesis is the formation of cancer which is described in three progressive phases: initiation, promotion, and tumor progression. Initiation involves the transformation of cells formed by the interaction of chemicals, radiations and viruses with cellular deoxyribonucleic acid. These cells remain dormant until the next stage promotion during which these cells multiply rapidly and escape mechanisms which are meant to protect against this multiplication. Neoplasm is an abnormal tissue with no useful function. The last phase is progression where tumor cells aggregate and grow resulting in a malignant neoplasm or tumor which may spread to any part of the body in a process known as metastasis. Cancer has become one of the most leading causes for morbidity and mortality worldwide with 14 million new cases registered and 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012. According to WHO, lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are most common among men; and breast, colorectal, lung, cervix and stomach are common sites of cancer for women.
Cancer Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
Cancer can be considered as half cured if detected and treated early. There are several methods to diagnose cancer that include medical history and physical examination, evaluation for tumor markers, cytology studies and tumor biopsy, imaging studies and staging. Cure, control or palliate is the clinical intent of any cancer treatment. The primary aim of any doctor would be to provide complete cure or prolong life with improved quality of living. The well-known cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Nutrition in the Etiology of Cancer
Nutrition has a lasting impact on cancer treatment. It has the ability to modify the carcinogenic process at any stage and is also affected by several factors including the cancer itself, the treatment method and the existing health status and nutrition intake of the individual. WHO states that around one third of cancer deaths are due to nutrition deficiency and poor lifestyle habits such as high BMI, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The nutrition recommendation for cancer is quite tricky as diets act as both inhibitors and enhancers of carcinogenesis. Vitamin C, E and carotenoids are few inhibitors and red meat is said to be an enhancer for cancer.
Obesity is a worldwide disease which increases the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Investigations have proved a positive association between BMI and cancers of the breast, kidney, colon and prostate. High energy foods, overweight and physical inactivity are all leading causes of colon cancer in men and women. Foods having high fat content result in high calorie intake thus ending up in obesity or overweight. Studies have proven that breast cancer risk can be reduced with reduced fat intake. A protein-rich diet indirectly means a diet high in fat and meat and low in fiber. Red meat intake is associated with colon and prostate cancer. It is always healthy and safe to choose a plant-based diet (fruits, veggies, nuts and grains) instead of an animal-based diet to reduce the risk of cancer. Soy-based foods are still in controversy for treatment against breast cancer.
Foods rich in fiber have great benefits on health and nutrition. High-fiber foods help relieve colon cancer. Genetics also play a role in colorectal cancer. Intake of simple sugars on a regular basis can increase the levels of insulin which can act as a stimulating factor for cancer cell growth. High-glycemic index increases the risk of cancers like ovary, endometrium, breast, colorectal, pancreas and lungs. It is always wise to choose a high-fiber diet with low sugar levels.
Consuming a minimum of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables is definitely a good sign of protection against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, kidney, colon, rectum, ovary and bladder as they contain anticarcinogenic agents. Reduced intake of alcohol consumption is always advisable for preventing any disease, including cancer.
Eat plant-based foods; fill up your plate with fruits and veggies; be physically active; avoid alcohol; consume low-fat and low-sugar foods-When you follow these small tips it will definitely help you live a better life.
Nutritional Implications of Cancer
Cancer is a disease where mental health plays a pivotal role in patients. Treatment procedures and psychological impact weigh heavily along with nutritional impact on the cancer patient. Weight loss and anorexia are very common among patients, even in children. Protein─energy malnutrition is common in advanced stage cancer patients. Progressive weight loss, anorexia, weakness, immunosupression, altered basal metabolic rate and abnormalities in fluid and energy metabolism are prominent symptoms. Carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolisms are altered by tumor growth. Though there is a common conception that aggressive nutritional food is associated with cancer cure, there is no evidence strongly to justify this theory. Loss of appetite and change in taste buds are a common complaint during or after treatment. Sensory changes as in high sensitivity to smells can result in aversions to certain foods and other items such as soaps and perfumes.
Nutrition Care of Adults
All stages of cancer-diagnosis, therapy, recovery and recurrence prevention give importance to nutrition to prevent deficiencies and improve well being. Nutrition assessment and screening is necessary right from start through all the stages of cancer treatment. Normal weighted individuals are more tolerant towards treatment and recover rapidly than obese patients. A diet replete with protein and energy is necessary to maintain proper nutrition and suitable height for weight. Adequate fluids and micronutrients like mineral and vitamin supplements are needed when individuals are unable to achieve the required levels through intake of food.
Cancer Treatment and Nutritional Implications
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy chemical agents or medications are used to treat cancer which affects the whole body. It not only affects cancerous cells but normal cells as well. Nausea, vomiting, anemia, fatigue, appetite loss and change in taste and smell are side effects of chemotherapy which impact nutrition intake and appetite.
Immunotherapy
In simple words, immunotherapy is a treatment that uses certain parts of a person’s immune system to fight against cancer. It is one type of biological therapy. In biological therapy substances made from living organisms are used to treat cancer.
Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy high-energy rays are used in multiple fractioned doses to cure, control or palliate cancer. Chemotherapy is systemic and affects the whole body while radiation therapy affects only the tumor and the surrounding area. Side effects of radiation therapy come in around the second or third week of treatment and are usually resolved by the first month after therapy is completed. Fatigue, loss of appetite, skin changes and hair loss in affected areas are common nutritional symptoms.
Surgery
Resection or removal of the part of the ailment tract can impair digestion and absorption significantly. Surgery can be used as the only treatment or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Fatigue and changes in bowel and appetite functions are side effects of surgery. Additional energy and protein to heal and recover from wounds are imperative for the affected person.
Management of Nutrition Impact Syndromes
Cancer affects the person not only physically but mentally too. Its treatment affects digestion, absorption and metabolism. Nutrition changes include nausea, vomiting, changes in taste and smell, anorexia, pain and fatigue. It is advisable to minimize nutritional impact symptoms and maximize individual’s nutritional parameters. The timing of food consumption also is a parameter to be considered. Appetite decreases as the day progresses which emphasize the fact that morning should be utilized for a king-sized breakfast. Also emphasis should be given on small meals frequently to prevent fatigue and tiredness. Finally pain is the main reason for lack in interest and appetite of an individual. Relevant pain management medicines should be prescribed to subtle the discomfort.
Rehabilitation is crucial for cancer cure. Patients should be monitored through the treatment and also should be assessed until they are able to resume normal life. Engaging in some physical activity helps to reduce fatigue and improve appetite and self-esteem. Encouraging the individual to independently manage his/her routine with minimal help boosts their morale and makes them feel strong mentally.
Nutrition Care of Children
Nutrition needs of children are similar to that of adults but the proportion and degree vary. As growth in children is rapid at their age it is essential to meet the daily nutrient needs in spite of treatment effects and mental state.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary and alternative therapies are gaining prominence currently. Listed below are few popular therapies used by cancer patients.
Cancer is a disease that involves abnormal division and reproduction of cells that can spread to other parts of the body. Carcinogenesis is the formation of cancer which is described in three progressive phases: initiation, promotion, and tumor progression. Initiation involves the transformation of cells formed by the interaction of chemicals, radiations and viruses with cellular deoxyribonucleic acid. These cells remain dormant until the next stage promotion during which these cells multiply rapidly and escape mechanisms which are meant to protect against this multiplication. Neoplasm is an abnormal tissue with no useful function. The last phase is progression where tumor cells aggregate and grow resulting in a malignant neoplasm or tumor which may spread to any part of the body in a process known as metastasis. Cancer has become one of the most leading causes for morbidity and mortality worldwide with 14 million new cases registered and 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012. According to WHO, lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are most common among men; and breast, colorectal, lung, cervix and stomach are common sites of cancer for women.
Cancer Diagnosis and Medical Treatment
Cancer can be considered as half cured if detected and treated early. There are several methods to diagnose cancer that include medical history and physical examination, evaluation for tumor markers, cytology studies and tumor biopsy, imaging studies and staging. Cure, control or palliate is the clinical intent of any cancer treatment. The primary aim of any doctor would be to provide complete cure or prolong life with improved quality of living. The well-known cancer treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Nutrition in the Etiology of Cancer
Nutrition has a lasting impact on cancer treatment. It has the ability to modify the carcinogenic process at any stage and is also affected by several factors including the cancer itself, the treatment method and the existing health status and nutrition intake of the individual. WHO states that around one third of cancer deaths are due to nutrition deficiency and poor lifestyle habits such as high BMI, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The nutrition recommendation for cancer is quite tricky as diets act as both inhibitors and enhancers of carcinogenesis. Vitamin C, E and carotenoids are few inhibitors and red meat is said to be an enhancer for cancer.
Obesity is a worldwide disease which increases the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Investigations have proved a positive association between BMI and cancers of the breast, kidney, colon and prostate. High energy foods, overweight and physical inactivity are all leading causes of colon cancer in men and women. Foods having high fat content result in high calorie intake thus ending up in obesity or overweight. Studies have proven that breast cancer risk can be reduced with reduced fat intake. A protein-rich diet indirectly means a diet high in fat and meat and low in fiber. Red meat intake is associated with colon and prostate cancer. It is always healthy and safe to choose a plant-based diet (fruits, veggies, nuts and grains) instead of an animal-based diet to reduce the risk of cancer. Soy-based foods are still in controversy for treatment against breast cancer.
Foods rich in fiber have great benefits on health and nutrition. High-fiber foods help relieve colon cancer. Genetics also play a role in colorectal cancer. Intake of simple sugars on a regular basis can increase the levels of insulin which can act as a stimulating factor for cancer cell growth. High-glycemic index increases the risk of cancers like ovary, endometrium, breast, colorectal, pancreas and lungs. It is always wise to choose a high-fiber diet with low sugar levels.
Consuming a minimum of five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables is definitely a good sign of protection against cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, kidney, colon, rectum, ovary and bladder as they contain anticarcinogenic agents. Reduced intake of alcohol consumption is always advisable for preventing any disease, including cancer.
Eat plant-based foods; fill up your plate with fruits and veggies; be physically active; avoid alcohol; consume low-fat and low-sugar foods-When you follow these small tips it will definitely help you live a better life.
Nutritional Implications of Cancer
Cancer is a disease where mental health plays a pivotal role in patients. Treatment procedures and psychological impact weigh heavily along with nutritional impact on the cancer patient. Weight loss and anorexia are very common among patients, even in children. Protein─energy malnutrition is common in advanced stage cancer patients. Progressive weight loss, anorexia, weakness, immunosupression, altered basal metabolic rate and abnormalities in fluid and energy metabolism are prominent symptoms. Carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolisms are altered by tumor growth. Though there is a common conception that aggressive nutritional food is associated with cancer cure, there is no evidence strongly to justify this theory. Loss of appetite and change in taste buds are a common complaint during or after treatment. Sensory changes as in high sensitivity to smells can result in aversions to certain foods and other items such as soaps and perfumes.
Nutrition Care of Adults
All stages of cancer-diagnosis, therapy, recovery and recurrence prevention give importance to nutrition to prevent deficiencies and improve well being. Nutrition assessment and screening is necessary right from start through all the stages of cancer treatment. Normal weighted individuals are more tolerant towards treatment and recover rapidly than obese patients. A diet replete with protein and energy is necessary to maintain proper nutrition and suitable height for weight. Adequate fluids and micronutrients like mineral and vitamin supplements are needed when individuals are unable to achieve the required levels through intake of food.
Cancer Treatment and Nutritional Implications
Chemotherapy
In chemotherapy chemical agents or medications are used to treat cancer which affects the whole body. It not only affects cancerous cells but normal cells as well. Nausea, vomiting, anemia, fatigue, appetite loss and change in taste and smell are side effects of chemotherapy which impact nutrition intake and appetite.
Immunotherapy
In simple words, immunotherapy is a treatment that uses certain parts of a person’s immune system to fight against cancer. It is one type of biological therapy. In biological therapy substances made from living organisms are used to treat cancer.
Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy high-energy rays are used in multiple fractioned doses to cure, control or palliate cancer. Chemotherapy is systemic and affects the whole body while radiation therapy affects only the tumor and the surrounding area. Side effects of radiation therapy come in around the second or third week of treatment and are usually resolved by the first month after therapy is completed. Fatigue, loss of appetite, skin changes and hair loss in affected areas are common nutritional symptoms.
Surgery
Resection or removal of the part of the ailment tract can impair digestion and absorption significantly. Surgery can be used as the only treatment or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Fatigue and changes in bowel and appetite functions are side effects of surgery. Additional energy and protein to heal and recover from wounds are imperative for the affected person.
Management of Nutrition Impact Syndromes
Cancer affects the person not only physically but mentally too. Its treatment affects digestion, absorption and metabolism. Nutrition changes include nausea, vomiting, changes in taste and smell, anorexia, pain and fatigue. It is advisable to minimize nutritional impact symptoms and maximize individual’s nutritional parameters. The timing of food consumption also is a parameter to be considered. Appetite decreases as the day progresses which emphasize the fact that morning should be utilized for a king-sized breakfast. Also emphasis should be given on small meals frequently to prevent fatigue and tiredness. Finally pain is the main reason for lack in interest and appetite of an individual. Relevant pain management medicines should be prescribed to subtle the discomfort.
Rehabilitation is crucial for cancer cure. Patients should be monitored through the treatment and also should be assessed until they are able to resume normal life. Engaging in some physical activity helps to reduce fatigue and improve appetite and self-esteem. Encouraging the individual to independently manage his/her routine with minimal help boosts their morale and makes them feel strong mentally.
Nutrition Care of Children
Nutrition needs of children are similar to that of adults but the proportion and degree vary. As growth in children is rapid at their age it is essential to meet the daily nutrient needs in spite of treatment effects and mental state.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Complementary and alternative therapies are gaining prominence currently. Listed below are few popular therapies used by cancer patients.
- Chinese, ayurvedic, homeopathy and naturopathy medications.
- Meditation techniques.
- Use of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements.
- Rejuvenating and relaxing your body through massages, yoga and reflexology.
- Energy therapies.