Being prepared for cancer treatment
According to the latest research, one of the most important things you can do to help get the most from your cancer treatment and to reduce the amount of time you spend in hospital, is to get yourself in the best possible nutritional condition before your treatment starts.
Eating a balanced diet is the best way of achieving good nutritional health.
So, to get ready to start a cancer treatment:
Think Positively:
- Many people have few or no eating-related side effects.
- Even if you do, they may be mild, and most go away after cancer treatment ends. Also, there are new drugs now that can work well to control side effects such as nausea.
- Having a positive attitude, talking about your feelings, becoming well-informed about your cancer and treatment, and planning ways to cope can all help reduce worry and anxiety, make you feel more in control, and help you keep your appetite.
- Give food a chance.
Even if you experience eating problems on some days, you'll have other days when eating is a pleasure.
Remember, talk to your healthcare professional about any concerns you have about nutrition, your weight or any eating and drinking problems. The sooner they are aware that you are worried or are having problems the sooner than can offer some help and advice.
Source: National Cancer Institute
