Nutrition and Dietetics
Cancer is a systemic disease that requires a holistic healing approach with multi-disciplinary care. The success of any treatment for cancer is affected by the patient's nutritional status before and during the treatment which also influences their ability to tolerate treatment. It has been proven with clinical evidence that the quality of life in a patient undergoing cancer treatment improves with supportive nutritional care.
After the confirmation of a cancer diagnosis, individuals often wonder about the appropriate dietary choices. It is widely recognised that makes a significant contribution to the healing process, making the question, "What to eat after a cancer diagnosis" a common concern among patients and their caregivers.
How does cancer treatment impact your nutrition status?
- Patients with cancer may experience some weight loss during their treatment as the treatment may decrease their appetite.
- Nausea, vomiting, mucositis, xerostomia, dysphagia, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, etc. are some of the common side effects of treatment that can contribute to loss of appetite and weight loss.
- During chemotherapy and immunotherapy along with GI effects, there may be changes in taste (metallic / no taste / bad taste).
- Anorexia (Loss of appetite or desire to eat) and Cachexia (weakness and muscle loss) are the most common causes of malnutrition in cancer patients.
- Some treatment modalities surgeries may impact your ability to eat through the mouth and may warrant the insertion of a tube called Ryle’s tube through the nose to provide food through the tube until you can consume food through the mouth.
- Cancers involving the gastrointestinal system may prevent you from eating certain types of foods, your dietician will assist you in compensation for the lost nutrition through other alternatives.
- Patients who are critically ill may require nutrition to be provided through an IV (intravenous), this is called parenteral nutrition.
How does the dietician help?
The Nutrition and Dietetics team at Shankara Cancer Hospitals, work closely with the treating oncologists to customise meal plans for each patient with the following objectives:
- To meet an individual’s nutritional requirements which are appropriate for their age, gender, metabolism, and other health issues
- To prevent other illnesses
- To reduce side effects/complications during treatment
- To promote faster healing and maintenance of weight
- To improve quality of life
We have a dedicated team of dieticians and nutritionists at Shankara Cancer Hospitals who help patients with their dietary needs while catering to each patient’s nutritional requirements.
The Diet Kitchen at Shankara Cancer Hospitals serves 7 customised, healthy, hygienic, safe, and nutritious food to all our admitted patients.
All general ward patients receive these meals for free through the Nithya Anna Dana Yojana.
How can we help you?
Make an appointment with our nutritionist
+91 70905 21000
To know more about our diet kitchen, dieticians, and scope of services,
Explore our Nutrition and Dietetics Department.
