Colon Cancer Alliance

Eating Hints For Cancer Patients

National Cancer Institute

Reviewed by Sarah

Eating Hints for Cancer Patients, a 60-page free booklet available from the National Cancer Institute, discusses the importance of nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. The first section, called "Before Treatment Begins," gives suggestions on how to prepare the body, through nutrition, to begin cancer treatment.

The second section, entitled "Managing Eating Problems during Treatment," explains possible eating difficulties that may occur during various methods of cancer treatment. While explaining that side effects of treatment vary greatly from patient to patient, the booklet offers simple, yet sensible advice on how to cope with the many possible eating problems that may occur, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, sore mouth, nausea, diarrhea, or changed sense of taste or smell. The booklet also includes many useful suggestions and several helpful recipes to combat specific side effects that may develop.

The third section, "After Cancer Treatment Ends," explains how good eating habits can play an integral role in strength and wellness. It also advises how to ease back into regular eating habits once treatment has ended. Information is presented effectively in table form to cover a large range of topics in one place. The grid includes issues such as how different cancer treatment methods can affect eating, possible side effects, examples of clear liquid or full-liquid diet foods and beverages, quick and easy snacks, possible ways to increase calorie intake, and different ways to increase protein intake.

Eating Hints for Cancer Patients is a helpful booklet for both cancer patients and caregivers.

Sarah is the daughter of a colorectal cancer survivor and a member of the Colon Cancer Alliance.

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