After cancer treatment, it is important to resume
healthy eating habits, following the recommendations
of the American Cancer Society to maintain a healthy
weight, be as physically active as possible, and to eat a
balanced diet that leans toward whole grains and
plant-based foods instead of red meats and processed
foods.
TherapySome cancer patients will need nutrition therapy
to restore nutrients and remain nourished, particularly
if they experience malnutrition because of their cancer
or cancer treatment. Nutrition therapy may consist of
enteral nutrition, also known as tube feeding. Enteral
nutrition is food given in liquid form directly through
a tube that is inserted into the stomach or small intes-
tine. Parenteral nutrition is delivered into the blood
stream through a thin tube, or catheter, inserted into a
vein. Eating by mouth always is preferred to these
methods, and patients are encouraged to eat as soon
as they can following these nutrition therapies.
Some patients may receive palliative care for can-
cer. Palliative care is not treatment of the cancer, but
steps taken to improve the patient’s quality of life and
symptom side effects. Hospice is a program of special
care for patients who are at the end of their life. It may
be provided in a hospital, special hospice facility, or in
cooperation with the patient’s family and other care-
givers in the patient’s home.
PrognosisCancer prognosis depends on the type and stage
of cancer at diagnosis, the person’s overall health at
diagnosis, and treatment success. Studies show that
physicians sometimes are reluctant to provide infor-
mation about prognosis, so it is important for cancer
patients to ask specific questions about their likeli-
hood of survival if they want detailed information.
Prevention
In addition to following the American Cancer
Society guidelines concerning diet, nutrition, and
activity, it is important to follow recommendations
from the ACS, family physicians, and other credible
health sources regarding behaviors that might lead to
cancer. Examples of these behaviors include tobacco
use and exposure to ultraviolet rays (sunshine) with-
out protection. Anyone who has a first-degree relative
with cancer should speak with their physician about
their risk for the same type of cancer and participate in
recommended screening as recommended. In cancer,
early detection is essential to treatment and good
prognosis.Resources
BOOKS
American Cancer Society’s Health Eating Cookbook. 3rd
Edition.American Cancer Society, 2005.
Good for You! Reducing Your Risk of Developing Cancer.
American Cancer Society, 2002.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Cancer Society. P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City,
OK 73213-1718 or contact the office in closest city. 800-
227-2345.<http://www.cancer.org>
National Cancer Institute. 6116 Executive Blvd, Room
3036A, Bethesda, MD 20892. 800-422-6237.<http://
http://www.cancer.gov>Teresa G. OdleCancer-fighting foods
Definition
It appears more than ever, that there is a great deal
of truth to the philosophy of eating fruits and vegeta-
bles to maintain optimum health. It is not only
because of the nutrients they contain in the form of
vitaminsandminerals, also because of the chemicals
found in these foods. Scientists continue to extensively
study the nutrient quality and quantity of foods we
consume. Although scientists are still not certain
about the specifics, they’re beginning to close in on
the healthful constituents of plant-based foods. In
particular, they’re looking closely at two components:
phytochemicals andantioxidants. The goal is to deter-
mine precisely how and why these substances in fruits
and vegetables can prevent or stop the development of
tumors andcancer. When animals are given vegeta-
bles and fruits before being exposed to carcinogen
(cancer-causing agents), they are less likely to develop
cancer. Although additional experimental data needs
to be collected in humans, there is evidence to suggest
that consuming generous amounts of fruits and vege-
tables plays an important role in preventing cancer.Purpose
Phytochemicals, are plant chemicals that are natu-
rally occurring substances in plants. Several hundred
types of phytochemicals have been identified, but many
more likely remain to be identified. Some examples
include indoles in cabbage or cauliflower, saponins inCancer-fighting foods