A PUBLICATION OF THE BARBARA ANN KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE
APRIL 2016
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KEEP YOUR PLATE FULL Proper nutrition is important for cancer patients
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f you thought receiving a cancer diagnosis means having to give up your favorite foods, think again. “We’re more liberal than restrictive with patients’ diets,” says Kristin Black, a Karmanos Cancer Institute clinical dietitian. “It’s best that patients maintain their weight during cancer treatment. It helps with sustaining energy levels, tolerating treatments and it contributes to better cancer outcomes.” The clinical dietitians at Karmanos work with patients and their multidisciplinary care teams to create individual diet plans that meet patient needs during treatment.
“Dietary plans vary depending on the cancer type, stage and location, as well as any treatment side effects,” Black says. “We generally recommend high-protein, high-calorie foods to help patients maintain muscle mass, energy and weight.” These foods include nuts, nut butters, full fat dairy products, starches, and lean meats such as chicken, fish and pork. “If a patient cannot meet their nutritional needs with whole foods, we have a variety of high calorie, high-protein supplemental drinks we will recommend,” she says. “Hydration is also very important, so we recommend drinking an adequate amount of water as well as other options such as teas and milk.”
Many cancer patients have other health issues, like diabetes, heart disease or obesity. In those instances, the dietitian will prioritize matters depending on the severity of the secondary illness. “In addition to cancer, some patients may have a chronic illness such as diabetes,” Black says. “In this case, we want to avoid very high blood sugars that may cause unintended symptoms such as infection, dehydration and fatigue. However, for a patient with very advanced cancer and unintentional weight loss, the initial and immediate focus is on treating the cancer and maintaining weight in order to optimize their quality of life. “We don’t like to see gradual weight loss during cancer treatment. But once a patient with obesity has stabilized, in some circumstances we can focus on creating a diet that promotes healthy weight loss.” Before making a grocery list, Black recommends talking with your doctor and clinical dietitian about your specific dietary needs. “Nutrition is one of the keys to treating cancer,” she says. “We’re here to listen to your concerns and offer a dietary plan that meets your needs and food preferences.”
CONTACT US For more information about a cancer diagnosis or treatment, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org.