does not change, even if cancer recurs or distant spread
develops.Chemotherapy
Cancer can spread, even early in the cancer cells’
development. Chemotherapy uses cancer-killing drugs
that are given to the patient by mouth or by intra-
venous injection. The drugs travel through the blood-
stream to try to kill cancer cells throughout the body,
not just at the original tumor site. Usually, the drugs
are given in cycles and treatment can last up to six
months. Chemotherapy may cause side effects, includ-
ing fatigue, nausea, and increased susceptibility to
colds and infections.Radiation therapy
Also called radiotherapy or radiation treatment,
radiation therapy usually is used to shrink or control
growth of a tumor. The radiation destroys the cancer
cells’ ability to reproduce and the body naturally gets rid
of the cells. In the past, radiation only came from exter-
nal beam radiation therapy, where x-ray beams were
directed toward the tumor from a machine outside the
patient’s body. But patients also may receive brachy-
therapy, a procedure in which radioactive sources,
sometimes called seeds, are placed inside the body at
the tumor site. Radiation therapy techniques have
improved dramatically in recent years. Using computers
and 3-D imaging, radiation oncologists and radiation
therapists can precisely target the tumor area, sparing
healthy tissues. Newer techniques even take into
account natural movements such as breathing to better
target the cancer cells. Radiation can produce some side
effects, such as skin changes. Most of the effects are
short term.Surgery
When a surgeon removes cancerous tissue, he or
she often removes a little bit of the tissue around it. This
is to ensure that all of the cancer cells were removed, to
help minimize chance of recurrence. Surgery may
require a hospital stay and recovery time, depending
on the type and extent of the surgery. The belief that
surgery for cancer leads to spreading of the disease is
untrue.Nutrition/Dietetic concerns
Diet also is an important part of cancer treatment.
It is important to eat the right kinds of foods before
treatment, during treatment, and after treatment.
The American Cancer Society says that according
to scientific evidence, about one-third of the cancerdeaths that occur in the United States each year are
due to nutrition and physical activity factors. These
factors include excess weight. In 2006, the ACS rec-
ommended that Americans maintain a healthy weight
throughout life, adopt a physically active lifestyle as
adults and children, and consume a healthy diet with
an emphasis on plant sources. The physical activity
suggestions include at least 30 minutes of moderate to
vigorous physical activity for adults five or more days
a week, with 45 to 60 minutes of activity preferred.
Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60
minutes of activity at least five days a week.
The ACS recommends choosing food and bever-
ages that help to achieve and maintain a healthy
weight. The society also recommends eating nine or
more servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables per
day. Whole grains should replace processed grains and
the recommendations say to limit consumption of
processed and red meats. Scientific evidence shows
that populations with diets rich in vegetables and
fruits but low in animal fat, meat, and calories have
reduced risk of some common cancers.
Diet also is important during cancer treatment.
Cancer and its treatment can cause nutritional defi-
ciencies. Many cancer treatments can cause loss of
appetite, and chemotherapy can additionally cause
nausea. Radiation also can affect appetite, depending
on the location of the tumor and treatment. Other
nutritional needs for cancer patients arise because of
a tendency to lose weight and muscle mass. When
cancer is diagnosed, many patients will be placed on
high-protein and high-calorie diets for a period of time
to help maintain muscle and weight.
During treatment, the physician may recommend
diet strategies to help soothe side effects. If patients are
having trouble chewing or difficulty swallowing, thick
liquids such as milkshakes may be suggested. Other
semi-solid foods such as mashed potatoes may be help-
ful until swallowing or chewing ability improves. Other
patients may have pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Eating a meal before treatment may ease nausea. Eat-
ing small meals several times a day and choosing bland
foods are some suggestions caregivers will offer patients
to deal with nausea caused by cancer treatment. Diar-
rhea can be treated by eating broth, soups, sports
drinks, or bananas and avoiding greasy foods. Loss of
appetite can be overcome by eating small snacks that
contain plenty of calories andproteinand eating foods
with odors that are appealing, as well as by trying new
foods. Sometimes, cancer treatment alters the taste of
foods. Rinsing the mouth before eating, using plastic
utensils if foods taste metallic and adding spices to
foods may help ease the symptoms.Cancer