Nutrition Therapy During Cancer Treatment
A “typical” cancer client does not exist. Whereas some clients present with weight loss and malnutrition at the time of cancer diagnosis, others are asymptomatic, and a substantial pro- portion are overweight or obese (Barrera and Demark-Wahnefried, 2009). The course of treatment may be aggressive or palliative; it may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments. The effect on nutritional status and intake may be mild or dramatic. Nutrition intake and status should be routinely monitored so nutrition therapy interventions can be adjusted accordingly. The goals of nutrition therapy for people being treated for cancer are to
■ Manage weight. For normal-weight and underweight patients, the goal is to prevent weight loss. Preventing weight gain is appropriate for those who are overweight or obese; have certain hormonal cancers, such as prostate or breast cancer; and are treated with long-term, high-dose steroid therapy.
■ Maintain lean body mass. Adequate protein and calories may help preserve lean body mass, muscle strength, and functional capacity.
■ Prevent or reverse nutrient deficiencies. Food sources of nutrients are preferred over nutrient supplements.
■ Maximize quality of life. Adequate nutrition may improve tolerance to treatment, improve immunocompetence, and promote wound healing.