The impact of cancer treatment

Nutrition for chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Even though chemotherapy is better tolerated today, it still puts a strain on the body. Chemotherapy drugs (cytostatic) are intended to inhibit the proliferation of cells. However, they do not only work on the tumor cells. Healthy body cells can also be damaged. A well-known consequence of this side effect is, for example, hair loss. Some cells become inflamed. Especially in the mouth area and in the esophagus, you may then have pain when chewing and swallowing.

In radiotherapy (radiotherapy), the side effects depend on which parts or regions of the body are irradiated with which strength. Here it can lead to nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. If, for example, the salivary glands are irradiated, a dry mouth can follow. Inflammation and taste disorders are also possible. If internal organs such as the bladder or intestines are irritated by radiation therapy, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation may occur.

Consequences of surgery for cancer

Every operation is a burden on the body because it is an injury, a challenge for us. Especially in the case of operations on digestive organs such as the stomach, intestines, pancreas, or liver, this can have consequences for nutrition.

Example stomach: If the stomach is removed – even if it is only partially operated on – there is a risk that the body will no longer absorb enough calories. This may be due to an early feeling of satiety, which is why you eat less than usual. In addition, due to a missing muscle at the entrance to the stomach, the porridge flows back and can cause inflammation of the esophagus. This also causes you to eat less because it causes you pain.

If the pancreas is removed, this procedure requires a change in diet. The pancreas provides many digestive enzymes and the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. Here there are ways to compensate for the occurring disorders with medication. But also, the diet should be adjusted to avoid diarrhea, elevated blood sugar levels, and weight loss.

When removing a section of the intestine and creating an artificial intestinal outlet, there may be problems with food utilization. Your body has to slowly get used to the new situation. He digests some things worse or does not tolerate them. During this time, he must get the nutrients in easily digestible form. With the help of nutritional therapy, there are many solutions.

Chewing and swallowing difficulties occur mainly during surgical procedures due to tumors in the area of the head and neck, e.g., jaw, tongue, mouth floor, or after removal of the larynx or esophagus.
If major operations are planned in the course of cancer therapy, it is important to ensure a good nutritional status before the procedure. In this way, the body can cope better with the procedure, and wound healing disorders can be prevented.

Close the nutritional gap with ONS*

ONS are designed to maintain an adequate nutrition. They are often high in energy, rich in protein and supply all the nutrients we require daily. ONS are used in addition to normal food if the normal diet is insufficient.