Eating well with cancer
Nutrition plays an important role throughout our lives – even more so when we are unwell or recovering from an illness.
St George’s Cancer Care Dietitian Bianca Munro helps cancer patients navigate the world of nutrition as they go through their journey of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
“A nutrient dense, well balanced diet is important for cancer patients,” says Bianca. “It can enhance recovery between treatments, improve wellbeing and offer protective effects for the future.”
A cancer diagnosis and treatment can change someone’s ability or desire to eat, and can affect the way their body utilises nutrients, she says.
“Nutrition priorities during cancer treatment include improving nutrient intake to maintain a healthy body weight, modifying the diet to help minimise treatment-related side effects, and correcting nutritional deficiencies – among others.”
Bianca says those caring for cancer patients can provide invaluable support through meal preparation, encouraging smaller and more frequent meals, and offering nourishing foods or fluids.
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