Nutrition advice for cancer patients

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was written by doctors of Internal Oncology - Radiation Oncology Center - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Cancer as well as cancer treatments (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery...) affect the patient's nutritional supply and metabolism. Nutrition plays an important role in prolonging life and improving the quality of life for cancer patients. Up to 50-80% of cancer patients lose weight and 20% of cancer patients die due to severe malnutrition. Therefore, cancer patients need early and aggressive nutritional care to compensate for weight loss, maintain health and receive better treatment interventions.

1. Principles of nutrition Provide adequate energy, protein and other nutrients Eat small portions but divide them into several meals a day Increase energy and nutritional levels according to the patient's condition Change foods often Encourage, encourage Encourage and create an optimistic atmosphere for patients during meals 2. Advice from a nutritionist Eat little but enough nutrition, rich in energy and rich in protein. Add more nutritious products (nutrition milk) Control the amount of food that the patient eats. Drink water 30 minutes before or after a meal. Avoid drinking water while eating as this can reduce appetite Do not eat sugary drinks, soft drinks, fatty foods Can drink 1 small glass of wine or 1/2 beer before each meal 30 minutes to stimulate appetite Regularly change the way food is prepared and the color of food is avoided. Avoid smelling food while it is being prepared. Do not use mouthwash solution. Do not brush/scratch the tongue Need to encourage the patient to eat well, to see eating as enjoying rather than "struggling" with food Eat whenever the patient has a need but must ensure adequate amounts and nutrients Always let the patient see the food around him to stimulate his appetite If he can't eat regular food, switch to a small, soft, pureed diet (porridge, soup...)

When the patient cannot eat or eat normally does not provide enough nutrition, there must be alternative feeding or feeding methods.
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