Ask the expert

Nutritional recommendations for cancer patients

Question

my dad (87) has bowel cancer which is inoperable. His bowel is closing up and he has been told to avoid fibre. How can we find out what he can eat? eg can fibrous foods be liquidised?

Answer

I would recommend that you consult with your Dad’s healthcare professional for specific advice on the level of fibre (roughage) restriction necessary, as this will depend very much on his individual case.

For detailed advice, your dad can ask his Hospital Doctor or GP to refer him to a Registered Dietitian.

General advice for someone following a low fibre diet is to reduce the intake of the following foods:

  • Whole grain bread, cereals, rice and pasta
  • Seeds, nuts and pulses
  • Dried fruit

Fruit and vegetables may need to be restricted, or the fibre content reduced, e.g. by removing the skin from fruit.

To help you better understand what is suitable for your Dad, you could ask the following questions:

  • Are raw fruit or vegetables allowed?
  • Is fruit OK if it is peeled, stewed or tinned? Is there any fruit he should avoid?
  • What vegetables are allowed? Do they need to be well-cooked? Are there any vegetables he should avoid?

Fruit juice (except prune juice) and vegetable juices are usually OK, but again this should be as directed by your Dad’s healthcare professional. It is unclear whether liquidising fibre-rich foods will reduce the fibre content sufficiently. When planning meals and snacks for your Dad, it is best to choose the following low fibre foods:

  • Refined breads, cereals and pasta
  • White rice
  • Plain biscuits and crackers
  • Well-cooked, tender meat, poultry, fish and eggs
  • Potatoes, without skin
  • Fruit, vegetables and salad – as directed by the Healthcare professional
  • Desserts with no seeds or nuts
  • Jam and marmalade without seeds, pips or rind

Reducing the fibre content of the diet may mean that your Dad requires laxatives to help promote a regular bowel movement. His medical team will be able to advise on this.

Source: Nutrition in cancer Editorial Board