Nutrition and Survivorship
Nutrition needs during cancer treatments, while rebuilding the body after treatment and for long-term maintenance and health, can be unique to each survivor, but there are some very basic nutritional goals that are common to all survivors. The American Cancer Society suggests examining the nutritional needs of survivorship according to three main phases of survivorship:
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Dr. David Cathcart, DO, MPH, an occupational medicine specialist discusses nutrition and chemotherapy. Dr. Cathcart graduated from University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, MO.
Phase I: Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
• Treatments change nutritional needs
• Loss of appetite common during treatment
• Getting enough food is the most important objective
• Smaller yet more frequent meals help maintain balance
• Food choices should be appealing and easy to digest
• Consult physician before using any supplements
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Dr. Edward Bauman, M.Ed., Ph.D., discusses nutrition for recovery from cancer treatment. Dr. Bauman graduated from the University of New Mexico and is currently the Executive Director of the Bauman College for Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts.
Phase II: Recovery from Treatment
• Nutrition needs change after treatment
• Adequate food intake is crucial to the recovery phase
• Absorption of nutrients can change after treatments
• Nutrition must be combined with exercise
• Difficulty swallowing and dry mouth are common
• Very important to increase good variety in nutrition
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Dr. Barry Ramo, MD, a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine explains recent research that suggests eating vegetables can protect against recurrence for cancer survivors.
Phase III: Preventing Second Cancers and Recurrence
• Design a healthy eating plan that is sustainable
• Integrate nutrition and exercise
• Consult with physician or a nutrition specialist
• Treatments change nutritional needs
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Nutrition Needs of Survivors: Living with Advanced Cancers
Malnutrition and weight loss are NOT inevitable with advanced stages of disease. Physical activity and diet variety can stimulate appetite, and physicians can prescribe medications that promote appetite and quell appetite-related symptoms. Licensed nutritionists are also available to help design nutrition plans that can meet the needs of a survivor with advanced or prolonged disease.
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