Having a healthy balanced diet is essential during cancer treatment. A diet with a focus on whole foods (ie. fruits and vegetables), healthy fats and lean proteins can help cancer patients maintain strength and energy as well as decrease treatment-related side effects. By incorporating plant-based foods into your diet, you’re boosting your immune system and fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to help protect against cancer cells.
Unfortunately, high rates of malnutrition and muscle atrophy are seen in cancer patients as a result of the cancer treatment-related side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, taste changes, trouble swallowing, diarrhea and constipation. Changes in eating habits are common and oftentimes the ways foods taste or smell can change for cancer patients and become increasingly overwhelming. Loss of appetite, one of the most common side effects for cancer patients, is one of the primary contributors to weight loss and malnutrition which can lead to a host of other health consequences including:
Short Term Health Risks:
- Reduced quality of life
- Reduced strength, energy and function
- Cachexia: Fatigue and weakness from muscle atrophy
Long term Health Risks:
- Due to lack of strength, energy and function, the patient may not be able to fight infections or finish cancer treatment.
Managing and treating appetite loss is an important part of cancer care and treatment. Speak with your healthcare team about any symptoms you’re experiencing and consider meeting with a registered dietician for meal planning and symptom management consulting. For further support on how to navigate finding a nutritionist or dietician to best fit your needs, you can contact our Patient Care Specialist at 1 877-560-8034 or by email awiggin@melanomanetwork.ca.
Here are 5 tips to help you maintain a nutritious balanced diet when you’re experiencing loss of appetite:
- Consider eating small portions of food regularly throughout the day
- Try eating food that is cold or room temperature to reduce strong odours or tastes
- Make a smoothie or try a liquid nutritional supplement to get the nutrients you need in a different form.
- Eat in a more relaxed environment by listening to music, setting up candles or surrounding yourself with friends and family.
- Reflect on the important nutrients in your food and think of your food as the medicine that your body needs.
Check our website for more information on how to stay well nourished and hydrated.
References
1. Bill Piersol Thursday O17. 5 tips if you’ve completely lost your appetite during cancer treatment [Internet]. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 2019 [cited 2022Jul28]. Available from: https://www.mskcc.org/news/5-tips-if-you-ve-completely-lost-your-appetite-during-cancer-treatment
2. Lee S. Loss of appetite [Internet]. Canadian Cancer Society. [cited 2022Jul28]. Available from: https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/loss-of-appetite
3. Loss of appetite: Managing cancer-related side effects [Internet]. American Cancer Society. [cited 2022Jul28]. Available from: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html
4. No appetite during cancer treatment? try these tips [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2022 [cited 2022Jul28]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer/art-20045046
5. Nutrition in cancer care (PDQ®)–patient version [Internet]. National Cancer Institute. [cited 2022Jul28]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/appetite-loss/nutrition-pdq
