Nutrition for the Person With Cancer During Treatment:A Guide for Patients and Families

Until you begin treatment, you won't know exactly what, if any, side effects you may have or how you will feel. One way to prepare is to think of your treatment as a time to focus on yourself and on getting well. Some other ways to get ready include the following:

Make plans now.

You can reduce your anxiety about treatment side effects by taking action now -- talk about your feelings and concerns, and learn as much as you can about your cancer and treatment. Planning how you will cope with possible side effects can make you feel more in control and ready for the changes that may come.

Many people have few or no side effects that keep them from eating. Even if you have side effects, they may be mild, and you may be able to manage them with drugs or by doing certain things. Most side effects go away after cancer treatment ends.

For more information on coping, see the "Additional resources" section and/or call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Don't forget about physical activity!

Physical activity provides many benefits. It helps you maintain muscle mass, strength, stamina, and bone strength. It can help reduce depression, stress, and constipation. So, if you don't already exercise, talk to your doctor about including at least 30 minutes or more of moderate activity, like walking, on 5 or more days of the week as you are able. If your doctor approves, start where you are (perhaps 5 to 10 minutes each day) and as you are able, work up to the goal of 30 minutes.

Eat well.

Your body needs a healthy diet to function at its best. This is even more important if you have cancer. With a healthy diet, you'll go into treatment with reserves to help keep up your strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and maintain your defenses against infection. People who eat well are better able to cope with side effects of treatment. And you may even be able to handle higher doses of certain drugs. In fact, some cancer treatments work better in people who are well-nourished and are getting enough calories and protein.

• Don't be afraid to try new foods. Some things you may never have liked before may taste good to you during treatment.
• Choose different plant-based foods. Try eating dried beans and peas instead of meat at a few meals each week.
• Try to eat at least 5 colorful servings of fruits and vegetables a day, including citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables. Colorful vegetables and fruits and plant-based foods contain natural health-promoting substances called phytochemicals.
• Limit high-fat foods, especially those from animal sources. Choose lower-fat milk and dairy products. Reduce the amount of fat in your meals by choosing a lower-fat cooking method like baking or broiling.
• Limit the amount of salt-cured, smoked, and pickled foods that you eat.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
• Try to stay at a healthy weight and stay physically active.
• If you are not able to do any of the above during this time, do not worry about it. Help is available if or when you need it. Talk to your doctor or nurse about any problems you have.

Plan ahead.

• Stock your pantry and freezer with your favorite foods so you won't need to shop as often. Include foods you know you can eat even when you are sick.
• Cook in advance and freeze foods in meal-sized portions.
• Talk to your friends or family members about ways they can help with shopping and cooking, or ask a friend or family member to take over those jobs for you.
• Talk to your doctor, nurse, or a registered dietitian about any concerns you have about eating well. She or he can help you plan meals and develop a grocery list in case you have side effects like constipation or nausea.

Include nutritious snacks.

During cancer treatment your body often needs extra calories and protein to help you stay at your weight and recover and heal as quickly as possible. Nutritious snacks can help you meet those needs, keep up your strength and energy level, and help you feel better. To make it easier to add snacks to your daily routine, try the following:

• Eat small, nutritious snacks throughout the day.
• Keep a variety of protein-rich snacks on hand that are easy to prepare and eat. These include yogurt, cereal and milk, half a sandwich, a bowl of hearty soup, and cheese and crackers.
• Avoid snacks that may make any treatment-related side effects worse. If you have diarrhea, for example, avoid popcorn and raw fruits and vegetables. If you have a sore throat, do not eat dry, coarse snacks or acidic foods.
• If you are able to eat normally and maintain your weight without snacks, then do not include them.