Cancer occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of cells, which are the basic building blocks of the body. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often a distressing experience, followed by significant pain, suffering, and heartbreak. Despite substantial advances in cancer research and management over the past few decades, it remains a leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that by the year 2030 there could be 27 million people with cancer translating to more than 17 million cancer deaths each year. A multimodality treatment approach including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy (the four pillars) either alone or in combination is often used for the successful management of cancer.

Nutrition for Cancer Patients

Good nutrition is an essential part of cancer treatment. During cancer treatment, a patient needs a variety of nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins, and minerals not only for maintaining general well-being but also for boosting the body’s immune system for ensuring better treatment tolerability. The recommended nutritious diet for a cancer patient comprises a mix of the following foods:

• Whole grain breads and cereals
• Vegetables and fruits
• Milk and milk products
• Meat/fish or legumes (avoid red meat and processed meat)
• Fat (not more than one tablespoon of oil a day)
• Plenty of fluids such as 100% fruit or vegetable juices (pasteurized), coconut water, tea, coffee, water, soft

All forms of cancer treatment are associated with undesirable side effects that can limit one’s ability to eat. These include loss of appetite (anorexia), sore mouth or throat, dry mouth, changes in taste or smell, nausea and vomiting, indigestion and heartburns, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue, etc. Let’s discuss the nutritional strategy to deal with these side effects one by one.

Loss of appetite (Anorexia)

• Eat frequent small meals and snacks throughout the day rather than having 3 large meals
• Eat high-calorie (e.g., butter, cream, salad dressings, jelly, jam, honey, etc.), and high-protein (e.g., cheese, milk, yogurt, eggs, meat, poultry and fish, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, soya products, etc.) foods at each meal and snack
• Drink high-calorie, high-protein beverages such as milkshakes
• A walk or light exercise before meals could be a good strategy to increase the appetite
• Consult your doctor in extreme cases

Sore mouth or sore throat or chewing and swallowing problems

• Eat frequent small meals and snacks to meet the daily basic calorie requirements
• Consume soft foods or liquid supplements
• Cut food into small pieces or grind them so that less chewing is required
• Avoid eating spicy, salty, and acidic food or food with extreme temperatures
• Keep the mouth clean with frequent mouthwash and gargles
• Consult your doctor in extreme cases

Dry mouth

• Eat soft and moist foods
• Avoid eating dry and crunchy food
• Drink 8-10 cups of liquid a day
• Use mouthwash regularly, especially after every meal
• Consult your doctor in extreme cases

Changes in taste or smell

• Consume shakes, ice cream, or yogurt blended withfresh fruits
• Consume lemonade
• Take sugar-free lemon drops, gums, or mints
• Take flavoring foods with new tastes or spices
• Avoid red meats
• Keep the mouth clean with frequent mouthwash and gargles

Nausea and vomiting

• Eat small portions of meals slowly and more frequently
• Eat low-fat, bland (e.g., mashed potatoes, rice, yogurt, cereals, etc.) and salty foods, and avoid sweet, fried, or spicy foods
• Consume cold and clear beverages (e.g., apple or cranberry juice, ginger ale, soups, etc.)
• Avoid foods with strong odors or cooking smells
• Avoid eating or drinking anything until you have the vomiting under control
• Eat potassium-rich (e.g., bananas, potatoes, orange juice, tomatoes, apricots, etc.) and magnesium-rich (e.g., almonds, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, spinach, etc.) foods
• Consult your doctor in extreme cases