Appetite and Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

Loss of appetite is one of the most common problems that occurs with cancer and its treatment. It may be caused by the treatments or by the cancer itself. Emotions such as fear or depression can also take away a person's appetite. Sometimes it is the side effects of treatment such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in food's taste or smell that make a person feel like not eating.

For some people, loss of appetite happens for just a day or two; for others, it's an ongoing concern. Whatever the reason, the National Cancer Institute offers the following suggestions:

• Try liquid or powdered meal replacements such as "instant breakfast" during times when it is hard for you to eat food.
• Try frequent small meals throughout the day, rather than fewer big ones. It may be easier to eat more that way, and you won't get so full.
• Keep snacks within easy reach so you can have something whenever you feel like it. Cheese and crackers, muffins, ice cream, peanut butter, fruit, and pudding are good possibilities.
• Even if you don't feel like eating solid foods, try to drink beverages during the day. Juice, soup, and other fluids like them can give you important calories and nutrients. Milk-based drinks also provide protein.
• Take advantage of times when you do feel well, and have a larger meal then. Many people have a better appetite first thing in the morning, when they are well rested.

Weight Gain

While many cancer patients find that their change in appetite can result in weight loss, some patients may actually gain weight during treatment. This is particularly true for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer patients taking certain medications or who are on hormone therapy or chemotherapy. In fact, over half of breast cancer patients gain rather than lose weight during treatment.

Sometimes weight gain happens because certain anticancer drugs can cause the body to hold on to excess fluid-a condition called edema. The weight comes from the extra water. Weight gain may also be the result of increased appetite and eating extra food and calories.

If weight gain is the result of excess fluid, your doctor may ask you to limit the amount of salt you eat; salt causes your body to hold extra water. Your doctor may also prescribe a diuretic-a medication that causes your body to get rid of excess fluid.

If weight gain is the result of increased appetite, the National Cancer Institute recommends a lower fat, reduced calorie diet. Here are some suggestions:

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and breads and cereals.
• Choose lean meats (lean beef or pork trimmed of fat, chicken without skin) and low-fat dairy products (skim or 1% milk, light yogurt).
• Cut back on added butter, mayonnaise, sweets, and other extras.
• Choose low-fat and low-calorie cooking methods (broiling, steaming).
• Avoid eating high-calorie snacks between meals.
• If you feel up to it, increase the amount of exercise you get.

SOURCE:
The National Cancer Institute (http://www.nci.nih.gov)

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