Nutrition in cancer
Table of Contents
Best diet for cancer patients
Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth. It can occur in any organ. In cancer, the genes lose control of cell growth in some way and reproduction of cell is unstructured and excessive. The abnormal growth leads to a developing mass called a tumor or neoplasm. Hence cancer is also called neoplasia
Healthy immune system is maintained by adequate intake of protein foods. Any damage to immune
system, such as malnutrition, may be a contributing factor in the development of cancer.
There appear to be associations between foods and cancer, both good and bad, though these have not been proved. About fifty per cent of cancers may be related to diet. Cancers of the colon, rectum,
prostrate and breast are the ones which have been shown to be associated with diet.
Best food plan
Fibers
diets high in fiber are thought to help to protect against colorectal cancer
vitamin C-rich foods
Intake of sufficient amount of vitamin C-rich foods may protect against cancers of stomach and esophagus. Intake of sufficient amounts of carotene and vitamin A rich foods may protect against cancers of lung, bladder and larynx.
Legumes
Legumes such as lentils, mung and other dried beans and dals contain
proteins, minerals and fiber. High intakes of these and soya foods are associated with decreased risk of breast and colon cancer.
Calcium
Calcium intake up to 1200 mg/day seems to have a protective influence
Water
drinking more than five glasses of water/day
Carrots and tomatoes may reduces ovarian cancer risk: Women who eat plenty of carrots, tomatoes, and other foods high in carotene and lycopene may reduces their risk of ovarian cancer.
This was most apparent in post-menopausal women. Since carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A) and lycopene are antioxidants, women should get their carotenoids from foods and
not from supplements. They should take at least five servings of carrots and one cup of tomato
sauce per week.
(Source : Reuters Oct. 2001, Intl. J of Cancer 2001, 94:128-134)
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Precaution
- When food is fried in the same oil continuously, the oil polymerises and these polymers have been shown to be carcinogenic .
- Excessive intake of protein and fats may be involved in colon cancer development.
- High intake of polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) in the diet have been shown to increase the development of breast, colon, pancreas and prostate cancer in animals.
- People, who smoke and drink excessive amounts of alcohol, appear to be at greater risks of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus than those who do not smoke and drink alcohol.
- Excessive intakes of vitamin supplements can be harmful. For example, abnormally large amounts
of vitamin A can cause pain, hair loss, headaches and liver and skin problem.
Nutritional Care of Cancer Patient
A cancer patient needs a high-calorie, high-protein diet, as there is an increase in metabolic rate due to cancer, need to rebuild damaged tissues and to replace nutrient lost to the cancer. Patients on high-calorie, high-protein diet tolerate the side effects of therapy and higher doses of drugs better than those who cannot eat normally. Patients, who can maintains their weight or minimize its loss have a greater chance of responding to treatments and thus their recovery.
Though their nutritional need are high, anorexia is a major problem for cancer patients. It is very difficult to overcome because patients develop strong dislike to foods, which are side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore chemotherapy needs to be scheduled two to three hours before or after meals. Parenteral or enteral nutrition may be necessary in the early stages to meet the need of the patient.
Cancer causes a hypermetabolic state, which increases energy demands. Though energy need vary from one patient to another, 45-50 kcal/kg body weight may be recommended. Carbohydrates and fats must provides this energy and spare protein for tissue building and immune system. Protein needs vary from 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg for those with good nutrition and 1.3 to 2.0 g/kg for malnourished patients.