Nutrition and your cancer journey: why your diet matters

If you’re receiving active treatment for cancer, symptoms like nausea may mean eating is the last thing on your mind. However, nutrition is key at this time, says a Mediclinic expert.

Berna Harmse, a dietitian with a special interest in oncology at Mediclinic Panorama, has been working with cancer patients for 18 years. Her position as a key member of a multidisciplinary medical team has taught her that there’s no such thing as blanket nutrition for cancer patients.

“We work closely with patients’ oncologists to discuss how diet can alleviate the symptoms created by their treatment. These vary from constipation to nausea,” Harmse explains. “For example, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, so it affects the entire body, whereas radiation targets a specific body part, so any symptoms are likely to be localised. In the case of treatment for head and neck treatment, you may have trouble swallowing, or taste changes, while radiation targeting the thorax – as in the case of oesophageal cancer – may cause nausea. Treatment for colon cancers could result in wind or bloating. We strive to individualise each patient’s plan, to find out their exact symptoms and explore how nutrition may minimise their discomfort.”

Nutrition is just as important for patients in remission, where the focus changes to prevention rather than treatment support, as well as those receiving palliative care, when the right diet can make the patient as comfortable as possible.

Making meals easier

Harmse insists “there is no such thing as a cancer diet”. “We simply tweak your existing diet to address your symptoms. I wouldn’t advise excluding certain food groups for someone who’s already battling with symptoms like diarrhoea and nausea, which already compromise their nutrient intake. That said, most cancer patients would benefit from following a Mediterranean diet, which aims to increase consumption of vegetables, fruit and healthy fats, such as olive oil.”

Of course, many patients find that they have very little appetite. It’s especially common to experience an aversion to meat, Harmse says – which is a pity, as protein has been shown to speed recovery, especially for those who have undergone surgery.

“It may help to aim for small meals more frequently,” Harmse suggests. “If you feel nauseous, your food should be as bland as possible – avoid greasy, spicy food that may affect your stomach. On the other hand, if you’ve had taste alteration because of treatment, your food should be very flavoursome.”

Cold food, like sandwiches, salads, cheese and cold boiled eggs, may be easier to face than hot meals, especially since cooking smells may make you feel even more queasy. Foods containing ginger and salt (like marmite and salted crackers) are also a good bet, and drinking through a straw may help liquids go down more easily.

Harmse advises going for a walk before meals to help you relax and stimulate your appetite. You might also find that smoothies are more manageable than meals – plus, they have the added benefit of being full of antioxidants, thanks to their high fruit and vegetable content.

“It’s important to consult a healthcare professional who can give you proper advice as you go along your cancer journey,” Harmse says, “particularly since there’s there a lot of misinformation out there regarding nutrition.”

To find a dietitian near you, click here.