Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment, Part 5

by National Cancer Institute

(Page 6 of 7)

Preventing Food-Borne Illness

Cancer patients undergoing treatment can develop a weakened immune system because most anticancer drugs decrease the body's ability to make white blood cells, the cells that fight infection. That's why cancer patients should be especially careful to avoid infections and food-borne illnesses. Here are some tips to help you prevent food-borne illness:

• Wash all raw fruits and vegetables well. If it can't be well washed (as with raspberries), avoid it. Scrub rough surfaces, like the skin of melons, prior to cutting.

• Carefully wash your hands and food preparation surfaces (knives, cutting boards) before and after preparing food, especially after handling raw meat.

• Thaw meat in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter.

• Be sure to cook meat and eggs thoroughly.

• Avoid raw shellfish and use only pasteurized or processed ciders and juices and pasteurized milk and cheese.

Extra Vitamins and Minerals - Will They Help?

Many cancer patients want to know whether vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements (such as phytochemicals) will help "build them up" or help fight their cancer. We know that patients who eat well during cancer treatment are better able to cope with their disease and any side effects of treatment. However, there is no scientific evidence that dietary supplements or herbal remedies can cure cancer or stop it from coming back.

The NCI strongly urges you to depend on traditional, healthy foods for vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Talk to your doctor, nurse, registered dietitian, or a pharmacist before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements. Too much of some vitamins or minerals can be just as dangerous as too little. Large doses of some vitamins may even stop your cancer treatment from working the way it should. To avoid problems, don't take these products on your own. Follow your doctor's guidance.

What About Alternative Therapies?

You may hear or read about many different kinds of treatments people have tried to cure their disease. A therapy is called complementary when it is used in addition to conventional treatments; it is often called alternative when it is used instead of conventional treatment. A number of medical centers are evaluating the scientific aspects of complementary and alternative therapies and developing studies to test them. Many of these treatments have not been thoroughly studied, and we have no proof that they work or that they are safe. Other treatments have been studied, and we know they don't help or are harmful. It is important to talk with your doctor or nurse if you are considering trying any of these treatments, because some therapies may interfere with your standard treatment or may be harmful when used with conventional treatment. He or she can talk to you about any research that has been done and whether or not the treatment is safe or would interfere with your treatment. NCI strongly urges you to follow a treatment program prescribed by a doctor who uses accepted and proven methods or treatments. People who depend upon unconventional treatments alone may lose valuable treatment time and reduce their chances of controlling their cancer and getting well.

Special Notes for Caregivers

There is much that you can do to help your friend or loved one through the period of cancer treatment. Read over the tips and suggestions in Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment. 20 Many may be useful to you as you prepare food or meals for the patient.

In addition, here are some other things to remember that will help you cope:

• Be prepared for the patient's tastes to change from day to day. Some days he or she won't want favorite foods because they don't taste good. Other times, he or she will be able to eat a dish that couldn't be tolerated just the day before.

• Have food within easy reach at home.

• Have meals and snacks ready so the patient can have something to eat when he or she is ready.

• Be prepared for times when the patient is able to eat only one or two foods for a few days in a row, until side effects diminish. Even if he or she can't eat at all, still encourage plenty of fluids.

• Talk to the patient about needs and concerns, and about ideas that might work best. A willingness to be flexible and supportive no matter what will help the patient feel in control of the situation.

• Try not to push the patient into eating and drinking. Encourage and support without being overwhelming.

After Treatment Ends

Most eating-related side effects associated with radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments go away after cancer treatment ends. If you have had side effects, you should gradually begin to feel better, and your interest in food and mealtimes will come back. Sometimes, though, side effects persist, especially weight loss. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor and work out a plan together for how to address the problem.

After cancer treatment ends and you're feeling better, you may want to think again about the traditional guidelines for healthy eating. Just as you wanted to go into treatment with all the reserves that such a diet could give you, you'll want to do the best for yourself at this important time. There's no current research that suggests that the foods you eat will prevent your cancer from recurring. But, we do know that eating right will help you regain your strength, rebuild tissue, and help you feel well. Here are the fundamentals:

• Focus on eating a variety of foods every day. No one food contains all the nutrients you need.

• Emphasize fruits and vegetables. Raw or cooked vegetables, fruits, and fruit juices provide the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need.

• Emphasize breads and cereals, especially the whole grain varieties, such as whole wheat bread, oats, and brown rice. These foods are good sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and fiber.

• Go easy on fat, salt, sugar, alcohol, and smoked or pickled foods. Choose low-fat milk products, and small portions (no more than 6-7 oz. a day) of lean meat and poultry without skin. Try lower-fat cooking methods, such as broiling, steaming, and poaching.

Some patients need to have treatments that last a long time. Others may have surgery to remove part of their stomach or intestines. These patients may have ongoing eating-related concerns. If this is your situation, talk to your doctor and a registered dietitian. He or she can give you more information about the long-term issues that you will deal with and can help you develop an individual diet plan.

Ways to Get Back Into Eating

Even if your treatment is over and you're feeling much better, you still may not feel completely back to your old self. Here are some ways to help you ease back to regular meals and mealtimes, without overdoing it:

• Make simple meals using familiar, easy-to-prepare recipes.
• Cook enough for two or three meals, then freeze the remainder for a later meal.
• Take advantage of the supermarket's salad bar and prepared foods to make cooking easier.
• Think about ways you used to make mealtime special and try them again.
• Don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help with cooking or shopping.

About the Author

www.nci.nih.gov
The National Cancer Institute's research programs are extensive and contain many innovative initiatives. I invite you to explore our Web site to find out more about the exciting work being conducted here at NCI and by NCI-supported scientists throughout the country.