Table of Contents Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care Effect of Cancer on Nutrition Effect of Cancer Treatment on Nutrition
Nutrition Therapy Overview Nutrition Suggestions for Symptom Relief Other Nutrition Issues Resources Get More Information From NCI Changes to This Summary (10/31/2008) Questions or Comments About This Summary About PDQ
Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
Cancer and cancer treatments may cause nutrition-related side effects.
The diet is an important part of cancer treatment. Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after treatment can help the patient feel better and stay stronger.
To ensure proper nutrition, a person has to eat and drink enough of the foods that contain key nutrients (vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water). For many patients, however, some side effects of cancer and cancer treatments make it difficult to eat well. Symptoms that interfere with eating include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, trouble with swallowing, and pain. Appetite, taste, smell, and the ability to eat enough food or absorb the nutrients from food may be affected. Malnutrition (lack of key nutrients) can result, causing the patient to be weak, tired, and unable to resist infections or withstand cancer therapies. Eating too little protein and calories is the most common nutrition problem facing many cancer patients. Protein and calories are important for healing, fighting infection, and providing energy.
Anorexia and cachexia are common causes of malnutrition in cancer patients.
Anorexia (the loss of appetite or desire to eat) is a common symptom in people with cancer. Anorexia may occur early in the disease or later, when the tumor grows and spreads. Some patients may have anorexia when they are diagnosed with cancer. Almost all patients who have widespread cancer will develop anorexia. Anorexia is the most common cause of malnutrition in cancer patients.
Cachexia is a wasting syndrome that causes weakness and a loss of weight, fat, and muscle. It commonly occurs in patients with tumors of the lung, pancreas, and upper gastrointestinal tract and less often in patients with breast cancer or lower gastrointestinal cancer. Anorexia and cachexia often occur together. Weight loss can be caused by eating fewer calories, using more calories, or a combination of the two. Cachexia can occur in people who are eating enough, but who cannot absorb the nutrients. Cachexia is not related to the tumor size, type, or extent. Cancer cachexia is not the same as starvation. A healthy person's body can adjust to starvation by slowing down its use of nutrients, but in cancer patients, the body does not make this adjustment.
Good eating habits during cancer care help the patient cope with the effects of the cancer and its treatment.
Nutrition therapy can help cancer patients get the nutrients needed to maintain body weight and strength, prevent body tissue from breaking down, rebuild tissue, and fight infection.
Eating guidelines for cancer patients can be very different from the usual suggestions for healthful eating. Nutrition recommendations for cancer patients are designed to help the patient cope with the effects of the cancer and its treatment. Some cancer treatments are more effective if the patient is well nourished and getting enough calories and protein in the diet. People who eat well during cancer treatment may even be able to handle higher doses of certain treatments. Being well-nourished has been linked to a better prognosis (chance of recovery).
Reference citations in some PDQ Supportive Care information summaries may include links to external Web sites that are operated by individuals or organizations for the purpose of marketing or advocating the use of specific treatments or products. These reference citations are included for informational purposes only. Their inclusion should not be viewed as an endorsement of the content of the Web sites or of any treatment or product by the PDQ Supportive Care Editorial Board or the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Back to Top Effect of Cancer on Nutrition
Cancer can change the way the body uses food.
Tumors may produce chemicals that change the way the body uses certain nutrients. The body's use of protein, carbohydrates, and fat may be affected, especially by tumors of the stomach or intestines. A patient may appear to be eating enough, but the body may not be able to absorb all the nutrients from the food. Diets higher in protein and calories can help correct this and prevent the onset of cachexia. Drugs may also be helpful. It is important to monitor nutrition early, as cachexia is difficult to completely reverse.
Drugs may help relieve cancer symptoms and side effects that cause weight loss.
Early treatment of cancer symptoms and side effects that affect eating and cause weight loss is important. Both nutrition therapy and drugs can help the patient maintain a healthy weight. The types of drugs commonly used to relieve these symptoms and side effects include the following:
(Refer to the Nutrition Screening and Assessment section and the Nutrition Suggestions for Symptom Relief section for more information.)
Back to Top Effect of Cancer Treatment on Nutrition
Effect of Surgery on Nutrition
Surgery increases the body's need for nutrients and energy.
The body needs extra energy and nutrients to heal wounds, fight infection, and recover from surgery. If the patient is malnourished before surgery, there may be complications during recovery, such as poor healing or infection. Patients with certain cancers, such as cancers of the head, neck, stomach, and intestines, may be malnourished at diagnosis. Nutrition care may therefore begin before surgery.
Nutrition-related side effects may occur as a result of surgery.
More than half of cancer patients have cancer-related surgery. Surgery may include the removal of all or parts of certain organs, which may affect a patient's ability to eat and digest food. The following are nutrition problems related to specific surgeries:
- Surgery to the head and neck may cause chewing and swallowing problems. Mental stress due to the amount of tissue removed during surgery may affect appetite.
- Surgery involving cancer of organs in the digestive system may lessen the ability of the digestive system to work properly and may slow the digestion of food. Removal of part of the stomach may cause a feeling of fullness before enough food has been eaten. Stomach surgery may also cause dumping syndrome (emptying of the stomach into the intestines before food is digested). Some of the organs in the digestive system normally produce important hormones and chemicals that are necessary for digestion. If surgery affects these organs, the protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in the diet may not be absorbed normally by the body. Levels of sugar, salt, and fluid in the body may become unbalanced.
Nutrition therapy can treat these problems and help cancer patients get the nutrients they need.
Nutrition therapy can treat the nutrition-related side effects of surgery.
Nutrition therapy may include the following:
Surgery may cause fatigue, pain, and loss of appetite.
It is common for patients to experience pain, tiredness, and/or loss of appetite after surgery. For a short time, some patients may not be able to eat their regular diet because of these symptoms. The following eating tips may help:
- Avoid carbonated drinks (such as sodas) and gas-producing foods (such as beans, peas, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, green peppers, radishes, and cucumbers).
- If regularity is a problem, increase fiber by small amounts and drink lots of water. Good sources of fiber include whole-grain cereals (such as oatmeal and bran), beans, vegetables, fruit, and whole grain breads.
- Choose high-protein and high- calorie foods to help wounds heal. Good choices include eggs, cheese, whole milk, ice cream, nuts, peanut butter, meat, poultry, and fish. Increase calories by frying foods and using gravies, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. Supplements high in calories and protein are available.
Effect of Chemotherapy on Nutrition
Chemotherapy may affect the whole body.
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing. Because chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, healthy cells that normally grow and divide rapidly may also be affected by the cancer treatments. These include cells in the mouth and digestive tract.
Nutrition-related side effects may occur during chemotherapy.
Side effects that interfere with eating and digestion may occur during chemotherapy. The following side effects are common:
Nutrition therapy can treat the nutrition-related side effects of chemotherapy.
The side effects of chemotherapy may make it difficult for a patient to obtain the nutrients needed to regain healthy blood counts between chemotherapy treatments. Nutrition therapy can treat these side effects and help chemotherapy patients get the nutrients they need to tolerate and recover from treatment, prevent weight loss, and maintain general health. Nutrition therapy may include the following:
Effect of Radiation Therapy on Nutrition
Radiation therapy can affect healthy cells in the treatment area.
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy. External radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to send radiation toward the cancer. Internal radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer.
Healthy cells that are near the cancer may be affected by the radiation treatments, and side effects may occur. The side effects depend mostly on the radiation dose and the part of the body that is treated.
Nutrition-related side effects may occur during radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy to any part of the digestive system is likely to cause nutrition -related side effects. The following side effects may occur:
- Radiation therapy to the head and neck may cause anorexia, taste changes, dry mouth, inflammation of the mouth and gums, swallowing problems, jaw spasms, cavities, or infection.
- Radiation therapy to the chest may cause infection in the esophagus, swallowing problems, esophageal reflux (a backwards flow of the stomach contents into the esophagus), nausea, or vomiting.
- Radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis may cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, inflammation of the intestine or rectum, and fistula (holes) in the stomach or intestines. Long-term effects can include narrowing of the intestine, chronic inflamed intestines, poor absorption, or blockage in the stomach or intestine.
- Radiation therapy may also cause tiredness, which can lead to a decrease in appetite and a reduced desire to eat.
Nutrition therapy can treat the nutrition-related side effects of radiation therapy.
Nutrition therapy during radiation treatment can provide the patient with enough protein and calories to tolerate the treatment, prevent weight loss, and maintain general health. Nutrition therapy may include the following:
Effect of Immunotherapy on Nutrition
Nutrition-related side effects may occur during immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy is treatment that uses the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Substances made by the body or made in a laboratory are used to boost, direct, or restore the body's natural defenses against cancer. This type of cancer treatment is also called biologic therapy or biotherapy.
The following nutrition -related side effects are common during immunotherapy:
Nutrition therapy can treat the nutrition-related side effects of immunotherapy.
If the side effects of immunotherapy are not treated, weight loss and malnutrition may occur. These conditions can cause complications during recovery, such as poor healing or infection. Nutrition therapy can treat side effects from immunotherapy and help patients get the nutrients they need to tolerate treatment, prevent weight loss, and maintain general health.
Effect of Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation on Nutrition
Bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients have special nutritional needs.
Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation are methods of replacing blood -forming cells destroyed by cancer treatment with high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Stem cells (immature blood cells) are removed from the bone marrow of the patient or a donor and are frozen for storage. After the chemotherapy and radiation therapy are completed, the stored stem cells are thawed and given back to the patient through an infusion. Over a short time, these reinfused stem cells grow into (and restore) the body’s blood cells.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications used in the transplant process may cause side effects that prevent a patient from eating and digesting food as usual. These side effects include the following:
Transplant patients also have a very high risk of infection. The high doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy reduce the number of white blood cells, the cells that fight infection. Cancer patients should be especially careful to avoid infections and food-borne illnesses. Patients are advised to avoid eating certain foods that may carry harmful bacteria.
Nutrition therapy can treat the nutrition-related side effects of bone marrow and stem cell transplantation.
Patients undergoing the transplant process need adequate protein and calories to tolerate and recover from the treatment, prevent weight loss, fight infection, and maintain general health. Nutrition therapy is also designed to avoid possible infection from bacteria in food. Nutrition therapy during the transplant process may include the following:
- A diet of only cooked and processed foods, avoiding raw vegetables and fresh fruit.
- Instruction on safe food handling.
- Specific diet guidelines based on the type of transplant and the cancer site.
- Parenteral nutrition (feeding through the bloodstream) during the first few weeks after the transplant is complete, to ensure the patient gets the calories, protein, vitamins, minerals and fluids needed for good health.
Back to Top Nutrition Therapy Overview
Nutrition Screening and Assessment
Finding and treating nutrition problems early may improve the patient's prognosis (chance of recovery).
Early nutrition screening and assessment can identify problems that affect the success of anticancer therapy. Patients who are underweight or malnourished may not respond well to cancer treatments. Malnutrition may be caused by the cancer or made worse as the cancer progresses. Finding and treating nutrition problems early may help the patient gain or maintain weight, improve the patient's response to therapy, and reduce complications of treatment.
Screening and assessment are done before beginning anticancer therapy, and assessment continues throughout treatment.
Because the ability to tolerate treatment is better for the well-nourished patient, screening and assessment are done before beginning anticancer therapy. Appropriate nutrition management is begun early, and nutritional status is checked often during treatment.
Screening is used to identify patients who may be at nutritional risk. Assessment determines the complete nutritional status of the patient and identifies if nutrition therapy is needed. The patient or caregiver may be asked for the following information:
- Weight changes over the past 6 months.
- Changes in the amount and type of food eaten compared to what is usual for the patient.
- Problems that have affected eating, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, changes in taste and smell, mouth sores, pain, or loss of appetite.
- Ability to walk and perform the activities of daily living.
A physical exam is part of the assessment. The physical exam will check the body for general health and signs of disease, such as lumps or growths. The physician will look for loss of weight, fat and muscle, and fluid buildup in the body.
Ongoing assessment is completed by a healthcare team with expertise in nutritional management.
A nutrition support team will monitor the patient's nutritional status during cancer treatment and recovery. The team may include the following specialists:
Goals of Nutrition Therapy
The goals of nutrition therapy for cancer patients in active treatment and recovery are designed to restore nutrient shortages, maintain nutritional health, and prevent complications.
The goals of nutrition therapy for patients in active treatment and recovery are to do the following:
- Prevent or correct malnutrition.
- Prevent wasting of muscle, bone, blood, organs, and other lean body mass.
- Help the patient tolerate treatment.
- Reduce nutrition-related side effects and complications.
- Maintain strength and energy.
- Protect ability to fight infection.
- Help recovery and healing.
- Maintain or improve quality of life.
A patient whose religion forbids eating certain foods may consider speaking with a religious leader about waiving the restriction during cancer treatment and recovery.
Good nutrition continues to be important for patients who are in remission or whose cancer has been cured.
The goals of nutrition therapy for patients who have advanced cancer are designed to improve the quality of life.
The goals of nutrition therapy for patients who have advanced cancer are to do the following:
- Reduce side effects.
- Reduce risk of infection.
- Maintain strength and energy.
- Improve quality of life.
Methods of Nutrition Care
Nutrition support provides nutrition to patients who cannot eat normally.
Eating by mouth is the preferred method and should be used whenever possible, but some patients may not be able to take any or enough food by mouth due to complications from cancer or cancer treatment. This may include patients with cancer of the head, neck, esophagus, or stomach. A patient may be fed using enteral nutrition (through a tube inserted into the stomach or intestine) or parenteral nutrition infused into the bloodstream directly). The nutrients are delivered in formulas, liquids that contain water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and/or minerals. The content of the formula depends on the needs of the patient and the method of feeding.
Nutritional support can improve a patient's quality of life during cancer, but there are risks and disadvantages that should be considered before making the decision to use it. The effect of nutritional support on tumor growth is not known. Also, each form of nutrition therapy has its own benefits and disadvantages. For example, enteral nutrition keeps the stomach and intestines working normally and has fewer complications than parenteral nutrition; nutrients are used more easily by the body in enteral feeding. These and other issues should be discussed with the patient's health care providers so that an informed decision can be made. (See the Advanced Cancer section below for more information on deciding whether to use nutritional support.)
Patients with certain conditions are most appropriate for treatment with nutrition support.
Nutrition support may be helpful for patients who have one or more of the following characteristics:
- Low body weight.
- Inability to absorb nutrients.
- Holes or draining abscesses in the esophagus or stomach.
- Inability to eat or drink by mouth for more than 5 days.
- Moderate or high nutritional risk.
- Ability, along with the caregiver, to handle tube feedings at home.
Enteral Nutrition
Enteral nutrition is also called tube feeding.
Enteral nutrition is food (in liquid form) given to the patient through a tube that is inserted into the stomach or the small intestine. The following types of tube feeding may be used:
- A tube inserted through the nose and throat down into the stomach or small intestine. This kind of tube is usually used for short-term use.
- A tube inserted into the stomach or small intestine through a stoma (an opening made on the outside of the abdomen). This kind of tube is usually chosen for long-term use or for patients who cannot tolerate a tube in the nose and throat.
If the tube is placed in the stomach, food may be given through the tube continuously or in batches several times a day. If the tube is placed in the small intestine, the food is delivered continuously. Different formulas are available. Some provide complete nutrition and others provide certain nutrients. Formulas that meet the patient's specific needs are selected. Formulas are available for patients who have other health conditions, such as diabetes.
Enteral nutrition is sometimes used when the patient is able to eat small amounts by mouth but cannot obtain enough food that way. The patient may continue to eat or drink as able, and the tube feeding provides the balance of calories and nutrients that are needed.
Enteral nutrition may be appropriate for patients whose gastrointestinal tract is still working.
Enteral nutrition continues to use the stomach and/or intestines to digest food. Enteral nutrition may be used for patients who have cancer of the head, neck, or digestive system and whose treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy causes side effects that limit eating or drinking.
Enteral nutrition is not appropriate for the following patients:
- Patients whose stomach and intestines are not working or have been removed.
- Patients who have a blockage in the bowel.
- Patients who have severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
- Patients whose platelet count is low. Platelets are blood cells that help prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form.
- Patients who have low levels of all blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets).
Enteral nutrition may continue after a patient leaves the hospital.
If enteral nutrition is to be part of the patient's care after leaving the hospital, the patient and caregiver will be trained in use of the tube and pump, and in care of the patient. The home must be clean and the patient must be monitored often by the nutrition support team.
Parenteral Nutrition
Parenteral nutrition provides the patient with nutrients delivered into the blood stream.
Parenteral nutrition is used when the patient cannot take food by mouth or by enteral feeding. Parenteral feeding bypasses the normal digestive system. Nutrients are delivered to the patient directly into the blood, through a catheter (thin tube) inserted into a vein. Patients with the following problems may benefit from parenteral nutrition:
- Stomach and intestines that are not working or have been removed.
- Severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Severe sores in the mouth or esophagus.
- A fistula (hole) in the stomach or esophagus.
- Loss of body weight and muscle with enteral nutrition.
The catheter may be placed into a vein in the chest or in the arm.
A central venous catheter is placed beneath the skin and into a large vein in the upper chest. Placement of a central venous catheter is done by a surgeon.
A peripheral venous catheter is placed into a vein in the arm. Placement of a peripheral venous catheter is done by trained medical staff. This site may be used for short-term parenteral feeding.
The patient is checked often for infection or bleeding at the site (place) where the catheter enters the body.
Some drugs should not be given with parenteral formulas.
Many drugs and other substances do not mix safely with the formulas used for parenteral feeding. A pharmacist or doctor should be consulted before adding anything to the formula or using the catheter for another substance.
Trained medical staff should manage the use of parenteral nutrition.
The techniques and formulas involved in parenteral nutrition support are precise and require management by trained medical staff or a nutrition support team. Some of the serious complications that may occur with parenteral feeding include the following:
- Placement of the tip of the catheter into the wrong place.
- Blood clots.
- A collapsed lung.
- A high or low sugar level in the blood.
- A low potassium level in the blood.
- Elevated liver enzymes.
Parenteral nutrition support may continue after a patient leaves the hospital.
If parenteral nutrition is to be part of the patient's care after leaving the hospital, the patient and caregiver will be trained in the procedures and in care of the patient. The home must be clean and the patient must be monitored often by the nutrition support team.
Experienced medical staff should manage the patient's removal from parenteral nutrition support.
Going off parenteral nutrition support needs to be done gradually and under medical supervision. The parenteral feedings are reduced by small amounts over time as the patient is changed to enteral or oral feeding.
Back to Top Nutrition Suggestions for Symptom Relief
When side effects of cancer or cancer treatment interfere with normal eating, adjustments can be made to ensure the patient continues to get the necessary nutrition. Medications may be given to stimulate the appetite. Eating foods that are high in calories, protein, vitamins and minerals is usually advised. Meal planning, however, should be individualized to meet the patient's nutritional needs and tastes in food.
Anorexia
Anorexia (lack of appetite) is one of the most common problems for cancer patients. The following suggestions may help cancer patients manage anorexia:
- Eat small high- protein and high- calorie meals every 1-2 hours instead of 3 larger meals.
- Have help with preparing meals.
- Add extra calories and protein to food (such as butter, skim milk powder, honey, or brown sugar).
- Take liquid supplements (special drinks containing nutrients), soups, milk, juices, shakes, and smoothies when eating solid food is a problem.
- Eat snacks that contain plenty of calories and protein.
- Prepare and store small portions of favorite foods so they are ready to eat when hungry.
- Eat breakfasts that contain one third of the calories and protein needed for the day.
- Eat foods with odors that are appealing. Strong odors can be avoided by using boiling bags, cooking outdoors on the grill, using a kitchen fan when cooking, serving cold food instead of hot (since odors are in the rising steam), and taking off any food covers to release the odors before entering a patient's room. Small portable fans can be used to blow food odors away from patients. Cooking odors can be avoided by ordering take-out food.
- Try new foods. Be creative with desserts.
Experiment with recipes, flavorings, spices, types, and consistencies of food. Food likes and dislikes may change from day to day.
The following high-calorie, high-protein foods are recommended:
- Cheese and crackers.
- Muffins.
- Puddings.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Milkshakes.
- Yogurt.
- Ice cream.
- Powdered milk added to foods such as pudding, milkshakes, or any recipe using milk.
- Finger foods (handy for snacking) such as deviled eggs, cream cheese or peanut butter on crackers or celery, or deviled ham on crackers.
See the NCI Web site'sEating Hints for Cancer Patients: Before, During, and After Treatment for recipes such as Lactose-Free Double Chocolate Pudding, Banana Milkshake, and Fruit and Cream. For a free copy of this booklet, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
Taste Changes
Changes in how foods taste may be caused by radiation treatment, dental problems, or medicines. Cancer patients often complain of changes in their sense of taste when undergoing chemotherapy, in particular a bitter taste sensation. A sudden dislike for certain foods may occur. This may result in food avoidance, weight loss, and anorexia, which can greatly reduce the patients' quality of life. Some or all of the sense of taste may return, but it may be a year after treatment ends before the sense of taste is normal again. Drinking plenty of fluids, changing the types of foods eaten and adding spices or flavorings to food may help.
The following suggestions may help cancer patients manage changes in taste:
- Rinse mouth with water before eating.
- Try citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons, grapefruit) unless mouth sores are present.
- Eat small meals and healthy snacks several times a day.
- Eat meals when hungry rather than at set mealtimes.
- Use plastic utensils if foods taste metallic.
- Try favorite foods.
- Eat with family and friends.
- Have others prepare the meal.
- Try new foods when feeling best.
- Substitute poultry, fish, eggs, and cheese for red meat.
- Find nonmeat, high- protein recipes in a vegetarian or Chinese cookbook.
- Use sugar-free lemon drops, gum, or mints if there is a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth.
- Add spices and sauces to foods.
- Eat meat with something sweet, such as cranberry sauce, jelly, or applesauce.
Taking zinc sulfate tablets during radiation therapy to the head and neck may speed the return of normal taste after treatment.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is often caused by radiation therapy to the head and neck. Some medicines may also cause dry mouth. Dry mouth may affect speech, taste, ability to swallow, and the use of dentures or braces. There is also an increased risk of cavities and gum disease because less saliva is produced to wash the teeth and gums.
The main treatment for dry mouth is drinking plenty of liquids, about ½ ounce per pound of body weight per day. Other suggestions to manage dry mouth include the following:
- Eat moist foods with extra sauces, gravies, butter, or margarine.
- Suck on hard candy or chew gum.
- Eat frozen desserts (such as frozen grapes and ice pops) or ice chips.
- Clean teeth (including dentures) and rinse mouth at least four times per day (after each meal and before bedtime).
- Keep water handy at all times to moisten the mouth.
- Choose foods and drinks that are very sweet or tart, to stimulate saliva.
- Avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol.
- Drink fruit nectar instead of juice.
- Use a straw to drink liquids.
(Refer to the PDQ summary on Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation for more information on dry mouth.
Mouth Sores and Infections
Mouth sores can result from chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments target rapidly-growing cells because cancer cells grow rapidly. Normal cells inside the mouth may be damaged by these cancer treatments because they also grow rapidly. Mouth sores may become infected and bleed, making eating difficult. By choosing certain foods and taking good care of their mouths, patients can usually make eating easier.
Suggestions to help manage mouth sores and infections include the following:
- Eat soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as the following:
- Soft fruits, including bananas, applesauce, and watermelon.
- Peach, pear, and apricot nectars.
- Cottage cheese.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Macaroni and cheese.
- Custards; puddings.
- Gelatin.
- Milkshakes.
- Scrambled eggs.
- Oatmeal or other cooked cereals.
- Use the blender to process vegetables (such as potatoes, peas, and carrots) and meats until smooth.
- Avoid rough, coarse, or dry foods, including raw vegetables, granola, toast, and crackers.
- Avoid foods that are spicy or salty.
Avoid foods that are acidic, such as vinegar, pickles, and olives.
- Avoid citrus fruits and juices, including orange, grapefruit, and tangerine.
- Cook foods until soft and tender.
- Cut foods into small pieces.
- Use a straw to drink liquids.
- Eat foods cold or at room temperature. Hot and warm foods can irritate a tender mouth.
- Clean teeth (including dentures) and rinse mouth at least four times per day (after each meal and before bedtime).
- Add gravy, broth, or sauces to food.
- Drink high- calorie, high- protein drinks in addition to meals.
- Numb the mouth with ice chips or flavored ice pops.
Using a mouth rinse that contains glutamine may reduce the number of mouth sores. Glutamine is a substance found in plant and animal proteins.
(Refer to the PDQ summary on Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation for more information on mouth sores and infections.)
Nausea
Nausea caused by cancer treatment can affect the amount and kinds of food eaten. The following suggestions may help cancer patients manage nausea:
- Eat before cancer treatments.
- Avoid foods that are likely to cause nausea. For some patients, this includes spicy foods, greasy foods, and foods that have strong odors.
- Eat small meals several times a day.
- Slowly sip fluids throughout the day.
- Eat dry foods such as crackers, breadsticks, or toast throughout the day.
- Sit up or lie with the upper body raised for one hour after eating.
- Eat bland, soft, easy-to-digest foods rather than heavy meals.
- Avoid eating in a room that has cooking odors or that is overly warm. Keep the living space at a comfortable temperature and with plenty of fresh air.
- Rinse out the mouth before and after eating.
- Suck on hard candies such as peppermints or lemon drops if the mouth has a bad taste.
(Refer to the PDQ summary on Nausea and Vomiting for more information.)
Diarrhea
Diarrhea may be caused by cancer treatments, surgery on the stomach or intestines, or by emotional stress. Long-term diarrhea may lead to dehydration (lack of water in the body) and/or low levels of salt and potassium, important minerals needed by the body.
The following suggestions may help cancer patients manage diarrhea:
- Eat broth, soups, sports drinks, bananas, and canned fruits to help replace salt and potassium lost by diarrhea.
- Avoid greasy foods, hot or cold liquids, and caffeine.
- Avoid high- fiber foods--especially dried beans and cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage).
- Drink plenty of fluids through the day. Room temperature liquids may cause fewer problems than hot or cold liquids.
- Limit milk to 2 cups or eliminate milk and milk products until the source of the problem is found.
- Limit gas-forming foods and beverages such as peas, lentils, cruciferous vegetables, chewing gum, and soda.
- Limit sugar-free candies or gum made with sorbitol (sugar alcohol).
- Drink at least one cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement.
Taking oral glutamine may help keep the intestines healthy when taking the anticancer drug fluorouracil.
(Refer to the PDQ summary on Gastrointestinal Complications for more information.)
Low White Blood Cell Count
Cancer patients may have a low white blood cell count for a variety of reasons, some of which include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or the cancer itself. Patients who have a low white blood cell count are at an increased risk of infection. The following suggestions may help cancer patients prevent infections when white blood cell counts are low:
- Check dates on food and do not buy or use the food if it is out of date.
- Do not buy or use food in cans that are swollen, dented, or damaged.
- Thaw foods in the refrigerator or microwave. Never thaw foods at room temperature.
Cook foods immediately after thawing.
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and eat them within 24 hours.
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Avoid old, moldy, or damaged fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid unpackaged tofu sold in open bins or containers.
- Cook all meat, poultry, and fish thoroughly. Avoid raw eggs or raw fish.
- Buy foods packed as single servings to avoid leftovers.
- Avoid salad bars and buffets when eating out.
- Avoid large groups of people and people who have infections.
-
Wash hands often to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes occur in most women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer. When caused by natural or treatment-related menopause, hot flashes can be
relieved with estrogen replacement. Many women, however, (including women with breast cancer), are not able to
take estrogen replacement. Eating soy foods, which contain an estrogen -like substance, is sometimes suggested to relieve hot flashes in patients who cannot take estrogen replacement, but no benefit has been proven. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Fever, Sweats, and Hot Flashes for more information.)
Fluid Intake
The body needs plenty of water to replace the fluids lost every day. Long-term diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and pain may prevent the patient from drinking and eating enough to get the water needed by the body. One of the first signs of dehydration (lack of water in the body) is extreme tiredness. The following suggestions may help cancer patients prevent dehydration:
- Drink 8 to 12 cups of liquids a day. This can be water, juice, milk, or foods that contain a large amount of liquid such as puddings, ice cream, ice pops, flavored ices, and gelatins.
- Take a water bottle whenever leaving home. It is important to drink even if not thirsty, as thirst is not a good sign of fluid needs.
- Limit drinks that contain caffeine, such as sodas, coffee, and tea (both hot and cold).
- Drink most liquids after and/or between meals.
-
Use medicines that help relieve nausea and vomiting.
Constipation
Constipation is defined as fewer than 3 bowel movements per week. It is a very common problem for cancer patients and may result from lack of water or fiber in the diet; lack of physical activity; anticancer therapies such as chemotherapy; and medications.
Prevention of constipation is a part of cancer care. The following suggestions may help cancer patients prevent constipation:
- Eat more fiber-containing foods on a regular basis. The recommended fiber intake is 25 to 35 grams per day. Increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of fluids at the same time to keep the fiber moving through the intestines.
- Drink 8 to 10 cups of fluid each day. Water, prune juice, warm juices, lemonade, and teas without caffeine can be very helpful.
- Take walks and exercise regularly. Proper footwear is important.
If constipation does occur, the following suggestions for diet, exercise, and medication may help correct it:
- Continue to eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of fluids. Try adding wheat bran to the diet; begin with 2 heaping tablespoons each day for 3 days, then increase by 1 tablespoon each day until constipation is relieved. Do not exceed 6 tablespoons per day.
-
Maintain physical activity.
- Include over-the-counter constipation treatments, if necessary. This refers to bulk-forming products (such as Citrucel, Metamucil, Fiberall, FiberCon, and Fiber-Lax); stimulants (such as Dulcolax tablets or suppositories and Senokot); stool softeners (such as Colace, Surfak, and Dialose); and osmotics (such as milk of magnesia). Cottonseed and aerosol enemas can also help relieve the problem. Lubricants such as mineral oil are not recommended because they may prevent the body's use of important nutrients.
Good food sources of fiber include the following:
4 or more grams of fiber per serving
- Legumes (½ cup, cooked).
- Kidney beans.
- Navy beans.
- Garbanzo beans.
- Lima beans.
- Split peas.
- Pinto beans.
- Lentils.
- Vegetables and fruit
- Corn (½ cup).
- Pears with skin (one medium-sized pear).
- Popcorn (3 cups popped).
- Cold cereals (1 ounce)
- Whole-grain cereals.
- Bran cereals.
- Hot cereals (1/3 cup before cooking).
2 or more grams of fiber per serving
- Vegetables (½ cup cooked or 1 cup raw).
- Asparagus.
- Green beans.
- Broccoli.
- Cabbage.
- Carrots.
- Cauliflower.
- Greens.
- Onions.
- Peas.
- Spinach.
- Squash.
- Green peppers.
- Celery.
- Canned tomatoes.
- Fruit (½ cup serving or one medium-sized fruit).
- Apples with the skin.
- Bananas.
- Oranges.
- Strawberries.
- Peaches.
- Blueberries.
- Breads.
- Whole wheat bread (one slice).
- Whole grain bagel (one half of medium-sized bagel).
- Whole wheat pita (½ portion).
- Whole grain crackers (see package for serving size).
Legumes, broccoli, and cabbage may cause gas. Over-the-counter enzyme tablets may be helpful.
Back to Top Other Nutrition Issues
Advanced Cancer
Nutrition-related side effects may occur or become worse as cancer becomes more advanced.
The following are the most common nutrition -related symptoms in patients who have advanced cancer:
- Cachexia (a wasting syndrome that causes weakness and a loss of weight, fat, and muscle).
- Weight loss of more than 10% of normal body weight.
- Feeling too full to eat enough food.
- Bloating.
- Anorexia (the loss of appetite or desire to eat).
- Constipation.
- Dry mouth.
- Taste changes.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Inability to swallow.
The usual treatment for these problems in patients with advanced cancer is palliative care to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Palliative care includes nutrition therapy (see the Nutrition Suggestions for Symptom Relief section) and/or drug therapy (see the Drug-Nutrient Interactions section).
Eating less solid food is common in advanced cancer. Patients usually prefer soft foods and clear liquids. Those who have problems swallowing may do better with thick liquids than with thin liquids. Terminally ill patients often do not feel much hunger at all and may be satisfied with very little food.
When cancer is advanced, food should be viewed as a source of enjoyment. Eating should not just be about calories, protein, and other nutrient needs.
Dietary restriction is not usually necessary, as intake of “prohibited foods” (such as sweets for a patient with diabetes) is not enough to be of concern. Some patients, however, may need certain diet restrictions. For example, patients who have pancreatic cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or another cancer affecting the abdominal area may need a soft diet (no raw fruits and vegetables, no nuts, no skins, no seeds) to prevent a blockage in the bowel. Diet restrictions should be considered in terms of quality of life and the patient’s wishes.
The benefits and risks of nutrition support vary for each patient.
Decisions about using nutrition support should be made with the following considerations:
- Will quality of life be improved?
- Do the possible benefits outweigh the risks and costs?
- Is there an advanced directive? An advanced directive is a written instruction about the provision of health care or power of attorney in the event an individual can no longer make his or her wishes known.
- What are the wishes and needs of the family?
Cancer patients and their caregivers have the right to make informed decisions. The healthcare team, with guidance from a registered dietitian, should inform patients and their caregivers about the benefits and risks of using nutrition support in advanced disease. In most cases, the risks outweigh the benefits. However, for someone who still has good quality of life but also physical barriers to achieving adequate food and water by mouth, enteral feedings may be appropriate. Parenteral support is not usually appropriate. Advantages and disadvantages of enteral nutrition include the following:
Benefits
- May improve alertness.
- May provide comfort to the family.
- May decrease nausea.
- May decrease hopelessness and fears of abandonment.
Risks
- May cause diarrhea or constipation.
- May increase nausea.
- Requires surgery for the placement of a tube through the abdomen.
- Increases risk of choking or pneumonia.
- Increases risk of infection.
- Creates a greater burden on the caregiver.
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
Some foods do not mix safely with certain drugs.
Cancer patients may be treated with a number of drugs throughout their care. Some foods or nutritional supplements do not mix safely with certain drugs. The combination of these foods and drugs may reduce or change the effectiveness of anticancer therapy or cause life-threatening side effects. The following table provides information on some of the drug-nutrient interactions that may occur with certain anticancer drugs:
Anticancer Drug-Food Interactions
Trade Name
|
Generic Name
|
Food Interactions
|
Targretin |
bexarotene
|
Grapefruit juice may increase a drug's effects. |
Folex |
methotrexate
|
Alcohol may cause liver damage. |
Rheumatrex
|
Mithracin |
plicamycin |
Supplements of calcium and vitamin D may decrease the drug's effect. |
Matulane |
procarbazine
|
Alcohol may cause a reaction that includes flushing of the skin, breathing difficulty, nausea, and low blood pressure. Caffeine may raise blood pressure. |
Temodar |
temozolomide
|
Food may slow or decrease the drug's effect. |
Some herbs do not mix safely with certain drugs or foods.
The combination of some herbs with certain foods and drugs may reduce or change the effectiveness of anticancer therapy or cause life-threatening side effects. The following table provides information about herbs commonly taken by cancer patients. The information provided covers known interactions only; additional side effects are possible for these herbs. A pharmacist or updated herbal supplement references may provide more information.
Common Herbs Used by Cancer Patients and Possible Food/Drug Interactions
Herbal
|
Possible Food/Drug Interactions
|
Black cohosh
|
May lower blood fat or blood pressure when taken with certain drugs. May increase the effect of tamoxifen. |
Chamomile |
May increase bleeding when used with blood-thinners. May increase the effect of certain tranquilizers. |
Dong quai |
May increase effects of warfarin (a blood-thinner). |
Echinacea |
May interfere with therapy that uses the immune system to fight cancer. |
Garlic |
May increase bleeding when used with aspirin,dipyridamole, and warfarin. May increase the effects of drugs that treat high blood sugar. |
Ginkgo biloba |
May increase bleeding when used with aspirin, dipyridamole, and warfarin. May raise blood pressure when used with certain diuretics (drugs that cause the body to lose water through the kidneys). |
Ginseng
|
May prevent the blood from clotting normally. May decrease blood sugar if taken with insulin. May interfere with drugs used to treat a mental disorder. May cause high blood pressure with long-term use of caffeine. |
Kava kava |
May increase the effect of certain tranquilizers. May cause liver damage. |
St. John's wort
|
May cause life-threatening side effects when used with drugs that raise the level of serotonin in the brain, such as many antidepressants. May reduce the effect of certain drugs used for cancer, AIDS, organtransplants, heart disease, and birth control. |
Ma huang (ephedra) |
May cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, or death if used with beta-blockers (drugs used for high blood pressure and heart conditions), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (antidepressants), caffeine, and St. John’s wort. |
Yohimbe |
Reduces the effect of St. John's wort and drugs for depression, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. |
Guidelines for Healthy Eating
The Food Guide Pyramid
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans that offers diet and fitness recommendations that support good overall health. The USDA Food Guide Pyramid shows five food groups and the number of servings to be eaten each day to provide the nutrients and calories needed. The food groups shown are grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and meat and nonmeat protein. Small amounts of fats, oils, and sweets are advised.
Current guidelines for promoting general health and well-being include the following:
- Eat nutrient-rich foods within calorie limits.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Exercise regularly.
-
Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products each day.
- Eat less fat and avoid trans fatty acid (trans fats).
-
Choose fiber -rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often.
- Eat fewer foods high in salt. Choose more foods high in potassium (like bananas, spinach and potatoes).
- Those who choose to drink alcoholic beverages should do so in moderation. Certain individuals should avoid alcohol entirely.
-
Keep food safety in mind when preparing, storing, and serving foods.
For information on healthy food choices for Hispanics/Latinos, see The Road to a Healthy Life.
Cancer Prevention
Healthy food choices and physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research have both developed cancer prevention guidelines that are similar.
The following diet and fitness guidelines may help reduce the risk of cancer:
- Eat a plant-based diet. Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Include beans in the diet and eat grain products (such as cereals, breads, and pasta) several times daily.
- Choose foods low in fat.
- Choose foods low in salt.
- Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
- Be at least moderately active for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Limit alcoholic drinks.
- Prepare and store food safely.
- Do not use tobacco in any form.
Surviving Cancer and Preventing Second Cancers
Nutrition guidelines for cancer prevention may also help cancer survivors prevent the development of a second cancer. The relationship between diet and cancer continues to be studied.
Lung Cancer
Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and lung cancer:
- Eating more than 5 servings per day of fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of lung cancer.
- Taking beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of lung cancer in male smokers.
Prostate Cancer
Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and prostate cancer:
- Diets high in saturated fat and meat or animal fat may increase the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
- Taking daily vitamin E supplements may reduce the risk of death from prostate cancer.
- Taking daily beta-carotene supplements may reduce the chance of dying from prostate cancer. Taking beta-carotene supplements is not advised for smokers, however, as it may increase their risk of developing prostate cancer.
Breast Cancer
Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and breast cancer:
- High- calorie, high-fat diets may increase the risk of recurrence.
- Drinking beer may increase the risk of recurrence and death.
- Obesity (having too much body fat) may increase the risk of recurrence.
- Lack of physical activity may increase the risk of recurrence.
- Taking vitamin C above the RDA may reduce the risk of recurrence.
- A diet high in vegetables and fruits may reduce the risk of recurrence.
- A diet rich in foods that contain beta-carotene (such as dark orange vegetables and fruits) may reduce the risk of death from breast cancer.
The effect of soy on breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence is unknown. Studies are under way.
Colon Cancer
Study findings have shown that a long-term diet rich in whole grains may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Esophageal and Gastric Cancer
Study findings have shown the following associations between diet and esophageal or gastric (stomach) cancer:
- A diet rich in cereal fiber may reduce the risk of gastric cancer.
- Taking daily supplements of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene may reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
Back to Top Resources
Books
-
American Cancer Society’s Healthy Eating Cookbook: a Celebration of Food, Friends, and Healthy Living. 3rd ed. Atlanta, GA: The American Cancer Society, 2005.
- Bloch A, Cassileth BR, Holmes MD, Thomson CA, eds.: Eating Well, Staying Well During and After Cancer. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2004.
- Ghosh K, Carson L, and Cohen E: Betty Crocker’s Living With Cancer Cookbook: Easy Recipes and Tips Through Treatment and Beyond. New York, NY: Hungry Minds, 2002.
- Weihofen DL, Robbins J, Sullivan PA: Easy-to-Swallow, Easy-to-Chew Cookbook: over 150 Tasty and Nutritious Recipes for People Who Have Difficulty Swallowing. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002.
- Wilson JR: I-Can’t-Chew Cookbook: Delicious Soft-Diet Recipes for People With Chewing, Swallowing, or Dry-Mouth Disorders. Alameda, Calif: Hunter House Inc., 2003.
Organizations
Back to Top Get More Information From NCI
Call 1-800-4-CANCER
For more information, U.S. residents may call the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Deaf and hard-of-hearing callers with TTY equipment may call 1-800-332-8615. The call is free and a trained Cancer Information Specialist is available to answer your questions.
Chat online
The NCI's LiveHelp® online chat service provides Internet users with the ability to chat online with an Information Specialist. The service is available from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Information Specialists can help Internet users find information on NCI Web sites and answer questions about cancer.
Write to us
For more information from the NCI, please write to this address:
- NCI Public Inquiries Office
- Suite 3036A
- 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC8322
- Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
Search the NCI Web site
The NCI Web site provides online access to information on cancer, clinical trials, and other Web sites and organizations that offer support and resources for cancer patients and their families. For a quick search, use our “Best Bets” search box in the upper right hand corner of each Web page. The results that are most closely related to your search term will be listed as Best Bets at the top of the list of search results.
There are also many other places to get materials and information about cancer treatment and services. Hospitals in your area may have information about local and regional agencies that have information on finances, getting to and from treatment, receiving care at home, and dealing with problems related to cancer treatment.
Find Publications
The NCI has booklets and other materials for patients, health professionals, and the public. These publications discuss types of cancer, methods of cancer treatment, coping with cancer, and clinical trials. Some publications provide information on tests for cancer, cancer causes and prevention, cancer statistics, and NCI research activities. NCI materials on these and other topics may be ordered online or printed directly from the NCI Publications Locator. These materials can also be ordered by telephone from the Cancer Information Service toll-free at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237), TTY at 1-800-332-8615.
Back to Top Changes to This Summary (10/31/2008)
The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as
new information becomes available. This section describes the latest
changes made to this summary as of the date above.
Editorial changes were made to this summary.
Back to Top Questions or Comments About This Summary
If you have questions or comments about this summary, please send them to Cancer.gov through the Web site’s Contact Form. We can respond only to email messages written in English.
Back to Top About PDQ
PDQ is a comprehensive cancer database available on NCI's Web site.
PDQ is the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) comprehensive cancer information database. Most of the information contained in PDQ is available online at NCI's Web site. PDQ is provided as a service of the NCI. The NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health, the federal government's focal point for biomedical research.
PDQ contains cancer information summaries.
The PDQ database contains summaries of the latest published information on cancer prevention, detection, genetics, treatment, supportive care, and complementary and alternative medicine. Most summaries are available in two versions. The health professional versions provide detailed information written in technical language. The patient versions are written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language. Both versions provide current and accurate cancer information.
The PDQ cancer information summaries are developed by cancer experts and reviewed regularly.
Editorial Boards made up of experts in oncology and related specialties are responsible for writing and maintaining the cancer information summaries. The summaries are reviewed regularly and changes are made as new information becomes available. The date on each summary ("Date Last Modified") indicates the time of the most recent change.
PDQ also contains information on clinical trials.
A clinical trial is a study to answer a scientific question, such as whether one method of treating symptoms is better than another. Trials are based on past studies and what has been learned in the laboratory. Each trial answers certain scientific questions in order to find new and better ways to help cancer patients. Some patients have symptoms caused by cancer treatment or by the cancer itself. During supportive care clinical trials, information is collected about how well new ways to treat symptoms of cancer work. The trials also study side effects of treatment and problems that come up during or after treatment. If a clinical trial shows that a new treatment is better than one currently being used, the new treatment may become "standard." Patients who have symptoms related to cancer treatment may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
Listings of clinical trials are included in PDQ and are available online at NCI's Web site. Descriptions of the trials are available in health professional and patient versions. Many cancer doctors who take part in clinical trials are also listed in PDQ. For more information, call the Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237); TTY at 1-800-332-8615.
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