Diet and Disease Help for Cancer A Dietary Guide By: Candance Gabel, MS, RD, LD, Associate State Nutrition Specialist, Family Nutrition Education Program, College of Human and Environmental Sciences, Nutritional Sciences Department Adapted from: Preventive and Therapeutic Nutrition HandbookCancer Facts

Family Nutrition Education Programs Nutrition and Lifeskills for Missouri Families

People who undergo cancer treatment have many side effects, which cause them to loose their appetite, become dehydrated, and nauseated. Consequently weight loss and malabsorption may occur. The following are methods to improve appetite, nutrient absorption and to maintain a healthy weight while surviving cancer.

• Eat 5- 6 small meals per day
• Share meals with family and friends
• Try new locations for meals to help stimulate appetite such as the backyard, park, in bed, scenic overview.
• Drink a milkshake or nutritional supplement 1-2 times per day.
• Select nutrient dense snacks such as dried fruits, yogurt, custard, and puddings made with 2% milk, cottage cheese with fruit.
• Take a multivitamin/mineral supplement which supplies 100% RDA each day, but not on an empty stomach.
• Get plenty of fluids (water, juices, soups, juice Popsicles/ice cubes)
• Women being treated for breast cancer should consume low-fat, high-protein foods during therapy including: low-fat (1%) mild, lean meats, poultry and fish, low-fat yogurt, low-fat ice cream, frozen yogurt, beans, lentils.
• Check your weight twice a week. If you begin to lose greater than one pound per week, contact your physician or dietitian.
• Exercise after meals rather than before to maintain a good appetite.
• For drug-nutrient interactions and diet prescription contact a registered dietitian or your physician.

To Reduce Nausea

• Try saltine crackers, soup, or dry toast.
• Wait one hour after your meal to drink liquids.
• Eat cold foods (they have less of an odor).

Related Topics

• Cancer Facts
• Cancer Quick Facts for Teens
• Diet and Cancer (PowerPoint Presentation)
• Cancer Post Test

Other Diet and Disease Educational Support Materials:
Cancer  Diabetes  Heart Disease  Hypertension 
Osteoporosis  Phytochemicals