HOW CAN
CANCER & CANCER
TREATMENT AFFECT NUTRITION?1
Cancer Treatment
kills cancer cells,
but in the process can
damage healthy cells too.
This damage is what causes
side effects which can impair
your nutrition.
Cancer itself and cancer treatment place extra demands on your body.
Nutrition and exercise will help you cope better.2
How Good Nutrition Can Help?2
Maintain muscle strength
Maintain a healthy weight
Have more energy
Manage the side effects of treatment and speed up recovery
Heal wounds and rebuild damaged tissues
Improve your body’s immune system
Reduce the risk of cancer coming back
- You may need more energy
- Eat small, frequent meals, or snacks rather than three large meals a day
- If you start to lose weight, see practical suggestions on gaining weight
- Do some light physical activity such as walking
- Try to maintain your weight to speed up recovery
- Eat a variety of food and do some physical activity
- Talk to a dietitian
- Focus on healthy eating once you’ve recovered from the side effects of treatment
- Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active
- See your doctor for regular check-ups
References:
- Cancervic. (2020). Cancer Treatment Side Effects And Nutrition. [online] Available at: https://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/nutrition/treatment-side-effects-and-nutrition [Accessed 2 June 2020].
- Cancervic. (n.d). Nutrition For People Living With Cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.cancervic.org.au/living-with-cancer/nutrition/nutrition-for-people-living-with-cancer [Accessed 4 June 2020].
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