A patient's nutritional status can affect how they feel and how well they cope with medical treatments. A well-nourished body can aid in recuperation from surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and stress, as well as build new tissues and prevent tissue breakdown and weight loss (See links at the bottom of this page for web sites that provide more information on nutrition, including recipes and nutritional supplements.)
Nutritional intervention is an essential component of care for oncology patients. Clinical dieticians offer information to oncology inpatients and outpatients, which is integral to understanding, minimizing and possibly overcoming the components of cancer that affect nutritional status. Information is offered during counseling sessions and individual meal plans may be provided to meet a person's specialized needs.
Dietitians also provide appropriate medical nutritional therapy to combat the ill effects of cancer. They may suggest providing smaller, more frequent meals, nutritional supplements and alternative food choices (foods from home or additional foods from the kitchen). Nutrition assistants are available to assist patients with menu selections and offer other foods which are not listed on the menu, but are available within the department or from the kitchen. The clinical dietitian offers education and support for both inpatients and outpatients who require tube feedings for nourishment. Community programs are presented regarding eating habits that can help prevent cancer or delay disease.
Below are links to web sites that deal with nutrition information for cancer patients. Many provide free copies of educational pamphlets and recipes.http://www.aicr.org/site/PageServerhttp://www.cancer-info.com/http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asphttp://www.cancerrd.com/http://www.cancerproject.org/index.phphttp://cis.nci.nih.gov/
Below is a list of available liquid nutritional supplements:
It is also a good Idea to call and shop around to find the best prices.
