Cancer Nutrition

The patient’s chance of recovery may improve by finding and treating nutrition problems early.

Nutrition Screening performed early can identify problems that affect the success of therapy after cancer treatments. Those who are underweight may not respond well to cancer treatments. Cancer may cause malnutrition or can worsen as the cancer increases. You may gain or maintain weight, improve with therapy, and reduce complications of treatment by finding and treating nutrition problems early.

The ability to undergo treatment is better if you are well-nourished. Screening and evaluations are usually performed before beginning cancer treatment therapy. Proper nutrition management should be started early, and the status checked often during treatment.

An evaluation may be performed to identify who may be at nutritional risk. This evaluation can establish your complete nutritional state to determine if nutrition therapy is needed. Helpful information to have for your evaluation:

• Any weight changes over the past 6 months.
• Changes in the amount and type of food you eat
• Certain problems such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, pain, or loss of appetite.
• Not able to perform your usual daily activities

You may also receive a physical exam as a part of the assessment.

A healthcare team with expertise in nutritional management will complete the ongoing evaluation. A nutrition support team will monitor your nutritional status during cancer treatment and recovery.

Nutrition Therapy Goals

Nutrition Therapy Goals when you are in active treatment and recovery are to:
• Help to prevent or correct malnutrition.
• Help to prevent loss of muscle, bone, and other lean body mass.
• Help you to endure your treatment.
• Reduce complications and side effects that are nutrition-related.
• Help you to maintain energy and strength.
• Help your body to fight infections.
• Help you in the recovery and healing process.
• Help to maintain or improve your quality of life

The goals of nutrition therapy for those who have advanced cancer are to:
• Help to reduce side effects.
• Help to reduce risk of infection.
• Help to maintain strength and energy.
• Help to maintain or improve your life.

Southlake Oncology is a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center that offers private patient rooms, an on-site laboratory and a spacious, comfortable treatment room. Southlake Oncology was created for the comprehensive and personalized care of cancer patients. The office is comprised of a wonderful team of professionals who see you as a person and not an illness. The doctors take pride in being available for their patients and their families. Our aim is education and information, and we are dedicated to cancer prevention.