As with any type of cancer, ovarian cancer and its ensuing treatments can take a toll on the body. The side effects from radiation and chemotherapy cancer treatments can leave the ovarian cancer patient feeling weak and without an appetite. However, the nutrients provided by certain types of food are a necessary weapon in the fight to recover from ovarian cancer.
About Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer among women and is the deadliest form of reproductive cancer. While the specific causes of ovarian cancer remain unknown, it appears the risk for developing it can be attributed to a number of causes, including how many children a woman has, when she has them, her age, and the presence of the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Additionally, women with a family or personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer have a higher risk for contracting the disease.
Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and usually associated with other ailments, it is often not diagnosed in its early stages. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding, abnormal periods, indigestion and unexplained back pain. Surgery is usually the method for diagnosis, and the cancer is typically treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
Importance of Nutrition
Radiation and chemotherapy can strip the body of essential vitamins and minerals, which can have an adverse affect on a patient's recovery. However, the side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores and anorexia, brought on by these treatments can make eating difficult. Anorexia, which is the loss of appetite, is a common trigger for malnutrition. Once malnutrition sets in, the patient can be left susceptible to infections and weakened muscles, making it tough for the body to heal properly. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in five cancer deaths can be linked to malnutrition.
Nutritional Guidelines
To stave off malnutrition, the consumption of calories and protein is key for ovarian cancer patients. Milk shakes, cheese and crackers, and muffins are just a few examples of foods that are high in calories that ovarian cancer patients can have. However, it is also important to include foods rich in antioxidants, which shield cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.
The National Cancer Institute recommends ovarian cancer patients increase their intake of whole grains, fruits and vegetables; lower their fat intake to less than 30 percent of total calories; curtail cured, smoked and pickled foods; drink alcoholic beverages in moderation or abstain from drinking altogether; and, finally, achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, it may also be necessary to take supplements, such as vitamins C and E, selenium and beta carotene, to bolster immunity and reduce side effects.
Food Tips
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, properties that may prevent the recurrence of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables---vegetables in the mustard family---are particularly rich in phytochemicals; they include cauliflower, kale, broccoli and cabbage. Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit, are also important. Whole grains should be high in phytochemicals as well as fiber, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates. Ovarian cancer patients should consume 25g to 35g of fiber per day, which can include wheat, oats, barley and rye.
Eating Tips
Besides impacting the appetite, radiation can also affect how food tastes. Food can often taste bitter or metallic, and ovarian cancer patients may find they don't have a taste for certain foods. Some methods for combating this issue include rinsing the mouth out with water before eating, utilizing plastic utensils instead of metal to cut down on the metallic taste, combining meat with something sweet like applesauce or jelly, and keeping a supply of sugar-free gum and breath mints on hand to eliminate bitterness. Citrus fruits like tangerines and lemons can also be helpful, though they should be avoided if the patient has mouth sores. Zinc sulfate tablets may also bring back normal tastebuds.
Tags: ovarian cancer, cancer patients, ovarian cancer patients, side effects, also important, Cancer Institute, Citrus fruits
