Harnessing the power of nutrition
Cancer Nutrition & You

Cancer Nutritional Needs During Cancer Treatment

Nutritional support helps you become an active participant in your battle with cancer. With it, you have the power to help:

• Fight fatigue
• Improve treatment outcomes by maximizing your immune response
• Prevent or correct nutritional imbalances and deficiencies
• Manage weight and maintain muscle tissue

In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that patients receiving nutritional support fared significantly better in terms of maintaining body weight, nutritional status and quality of life when compared to a control group.

Despite these findings, an estimated 40—80 percent of all cancer patients do not get the daily nutrients they need. If you become malnourished, your immune system can be affected, which means you may be reducing your tolerance to, or the effectiveness of, treatments and increasing your risk of infection.

Achieving a strong nutritional status

A healthy diet with a variety of foods is key. It's important to make sure you eat nutrient-rich foods with:

• Plenty of protein
• Sufficient calories
• An abundance of vitamins and minerals

Keep in mind that side effects from treatments, your body's response to tumors and certain medications can not only change your appetite, they can also contribute to changes in the way you process nutrients. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional to ensure your diet gives you the nutrients you need.