Nutrition

The effects of chemotherapy are not limited to cancer cells but extend to healthy tissues as well. It affects the cancer patient's food intake and nutritional status. We have a Registered Dietician that will talk to the patients about a declining appetite, identifying possible nutrient deficiencies, how unplanned weight loss can be harmful, and figuring out what to eat when side effects make eating a problem. The dietician will explain the importance of adequate nutrients and how good nutrition will help the cancer patient cope with the side effects of treatment, preserve healthy tissue functions in the body, repair tissue damage caused by disease and /or treatment, strengthen the immune system, and maintain body weight. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet influences how we feel and how strong we are when facing an illness. While a wholesome diet cannot cure a serious illness such as cancer, it can help to strengthen the body to better withstand the negative effects that cancer and its treatment can cause.