Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer in medical vocabulary is a malignant tumor of epithelial tissue. Epitheliums occur in every part of the body - they line, among others: oral cavity, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems. That's why we see such a wide variety of cancers of epithelial origin. However, it is worth remembering that cancer is only one form of malignancy. It can be defined as follows: every cancer is a malignant tumor, but not every malignant tumor is a cancer.

Cancer - literally "new creation", i.e. "new growth" - develops from damaged (as a result of genetic changes) the body's own cells. Their uncontrolled division ultimately leads to the formation of a cancerous tumor.

If a tumor has the ability to destroy surrounding organs and metastasize, it is called a malignant tumor . In everyday language, it is often equated with cancer, which is just one form of cancer. Other types of malignant tumors include sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and glioma. Cancer, if detected early, is a curable disease. The presence of metastases, in many cases, does not preclude treatment.

Both teleradiotherapy and brachytherapy are varieties of radiotherapy, i.e. treatment using ionizing radiation. However, they differ in the method of irradiation: external or internal.

In the case of teleradiotherapy, radiation is generated in a device called an accelerator, at a certain distance from the patient. During treatment, the camera rotates around the patient and sends radiation towards the cancerous tumor. However, brachytherapy uses special applicators containing a radiation source. Such applicators are placed directly in the tumor or in its immediate vicinity (in the patient's natural body cavities or tissues). After the procedure, the applicators are removed. The choice of technique depends on, among others: depending on the type of cancer and its location.

The DiLO (oncological diagnosis and treatment) card is part of the rapid oncological therapy program. It serves as a referral that enables a patient with suspected or diagnosed cancer to navigate the medical care system more efficiently and to start treatment more quickly. It allows you to organize the entire diagnostic and therapy process.

Patients can also come for consultations without a referral . Medical services at the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center are free, provided under a contract with the National Health Fund.

Registration can be made:

  • in person at the Patient Service Point,
  • by phone at the Telephone Service Center ((12) 34 09 134, 34 09 135) or
  • using the e-registration form.

Each visit to the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center begins with a contact at the Patient Service Point. Here you can get the necessary registration information. During the first visit, the patient movement specialist asks about personal data, diagnosis, DiLO card (oncological diagnosis and treatment card, entitling to rapid oncological therapy), test results and documents regarding the course of previous treatment. He also sets a date for a consultation with a radiation oncology specialist at the Radiotherapy Clinic.

A patient who has been qualified for radiotherapy by a physician is first directed to the Radiotherapy Department's Registration Desk. Here, an employee from the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center, in consultation with the physician, presents the patient with a consent form for the treatment for which the physician has qualified them for careful reading. The consent forms list possible treatment complications, which the physician has previously informed the patient about. Carefully review the information contained in the consent form. If you have any questions or concerns, ask a Patient Service Center employee to schedule another consultation with the physician. Signing the consent form is required to begin the treatment process.

When registering for the Radiotherapy Department, the staff member also asks the patient for consent to informing family or other close relatives about the course of the disease, prognosis, and ongoing treatment. A special form must be filled in with the details of all persons with whom the doctors may discuss the patient's condition. Without this authorization, no one will receive information from the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center staff or be able to collect test results.

An employee of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center also asks the patient for his telephone number. If possible, it is worth providing two telephone numbers - landline and mobile, your own and a loved one's, etc. A lot of information, including information about treatment dates, will be provided by phone.

A patient qualified by a doctor for radiotherapy is first directed to Registration at the Radiotherapy Department. At this point, an employee of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center, in consultation with the doctor, presents the patient with a consent to the treatment for which the doctor has qualified him, to read carefully.

Consent forms list possible treatment complications, which the doctor has previously informed the patient about. Please carefully review the information contained in the consent form. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask a Patient Service Center employee to schedule another consultation with the doctor. Signing the consent form is required to begin the treatment process.

When registering for the Radiotherapy Department, the staff member also asks the patient for consent to informing family or other close relatives about the course of the disease, prognosis, and ongoing treatment. A special form must be filled in with the details of all persons with whom the doctors may discuss the patient's condition. Without this authorization, no one will receive information from the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center staff or be able to collect test results.

In such a case, you can always write the authorization to such a person on a plain piece of paper. It must include:

  • name and surname of the authorized person,
  • this person's ID card number,
  • name and surname of the patient, his PESEL number,
  • information about what a given person is authorized to do, e.g. "to collect test results from...",
  • the patient's legible signature consistent with the signature submitted on the consent to treatment.

After entering the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center, please leave your outerwear in the wardrobes located near the Patient Service Point. There are also free deposit lockers for items that are not worth carrying with you during treatment. To activate the locker, you need to insert a two-zloty coin. After opening the cabinet, the machine returns the coin.

For comfort, you may bring a bathrobe and flip-flops with you during radiotherapy. Outer clothing should be stored in the deposit lockers located in the cabins in front of the radiation room. The operation of the cabinets is identical to those located at the Patient Service Point.

The Amethyst Radiotherapy Center offers out-of-town patients free hotel accommodation during their treatment, in double rooms with private bathrooms. To receive hotel accommodation, please submit an application to the Radiotherapy Department Registration Office. Eligibility is determined by the attending physician. A Call Center employee will inform the patient of the reservation.

It is possible to order lunches consisting of soup on the second day. The patient pays part of the cost of this meal, and the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center covers the remaining cost. Meals are tailored to the needs of patients undergoing therapy. This means they are easily digestible, contain fewer spices, and vegetables and meat are boiled rather than fried. The weekly menu is consulted with the dietitian who cares for patients at the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center. Lunches can be ordered in advance at the Radiotherapy Department's Registration Desk.

Persons staying at the hotel are obliged to keep the room tidy, respect the roommate's privacy and comply with the regulations. To ensure proper care, please:

  • stay in a shared room during the nurse's check-up, i.e. from Tuesday to Thursday from 7.00:8.00 a.m. to 18.00:19.00 a.m. and from 18.00:19.00 p.m. to 7.00:8.00 p.m., on Mondays from XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., and on Fridays from XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX a.m.; during this time, a nursing interview is conducted and other necessary nursing activities are performed,
  • in case of deterioration of health condition, notify the nurse on duty by calling 505 264 954 (from 17.00 p.m. to 8.00 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on Saturdays and Sundays) or by calling 12 340 91 36 (from 8.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. on weekdays). The patient may also go to the emergency department of the Specialist Hospital. Ludwik Rydygier,
  • in the event of a life-threatening situation, call the emergency service by calling 999 or 112,
  • do not leave the key in the door while in the room to allow the rescue team to enter,
  • have a mobile phone with an active SIM card to enable contact with the employees of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center.

Nursing staff may enter the room with hotel staff to check whether the patient requires medical assistance.

In some cases, radiotherapy is performed in a hospital setting. Patients of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center in Krakow are treated in the radiotherapy department of the Specialist Hospital. L. Rydygier in Krakow.

On the day of admission to the hospital ward you should:

  • report between 8.00:9.00 a.m. and XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. (unless the doctor sets a different time) at the branch office on the XNUMXth floor,
  • take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise.

The patient should take with him:

  • ID document with photo and PESEL number,
  • pajamas, bathrobe, toiletries, flip-flops,
  • previous medical documentation, including the result of blood group determination and chest X-ray result (if the patient has them),
  • regularly taken medications (stored in original packaging),
  • other documents or items as recommended by the attending physician.

Detailed information regarding hospitalization can also be obtained directly from the hospital. Hospital procedures may be subject to modifications, so the patient receives the rules for admission to the radiotherapy department on a separate sheet of paper along with information about the date of reporting to the department.

To make contact with the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center as efficient as possible, a Telephone Service Center was created. This way, patients and their families can agree on many matters over the phone.

By phone you can:

  • obtain information about the dates of: the first and subsequent follow-up visits to the Radiotherapy Clinic, computed tomography to prepare treatment, transrectal ultrasound examination, and initiation of radiotherapy;
  • register for an appointment with a radiotherapist.

In the case of new patients and patients after completion of radiotherapy, each medical consultation requires registering for a visit to the Radiotherapy Clinic.

Telephone number of the Call Center:

(12) 34 09 134

(12) 34 09 135

The first visit with a radiation oncology specialist lasts approximately 30 minutes. The doctor may decide on additional consultations and diagnostic tests, for which he or she issues appropriate referrals. Once the necessary medical data is obtained, the doctor makes the decision to begin therapy and determines its course. After completing the diagnostic phase, if necessary, the patient may be invited to a special consultation meeting attended by doctors from various specialties.

During registration at the Radiotherapy Department, the patient receives an appointment at the simulator to undergo a computed tomography scan for radiotherapy planning (simulation). Furthermore, they receive all necessary documents and sign consent for treatment. At this stage, they also visit the nurse's office.

Computed tomography is used in each patient to plan radiotherapy. The patient is placed in a special position, the so-called therapeutic setting, which will be accurately reproduced during treatment. After tomography, localization points are marked on the patient's skin and fixed with a tattoo, which guarantee the reproducibility of the patient's position during the entire course of radiotherapy.

The Call Center employee will notify the patient by phone one day in advance of the specific date and time of radiotherapy commencement . The date is set approximately two weeks after the CT scan for radiotherapy planning.

On the day radiotherapy begins, the patient receives:

  • dates of subsequent irradiation fractions,
  • dates of follow-up visits to the attending physician during irradiation,
  • a wristband with an individual code identifying the patient in the IT systems of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center.

In each patient, computed tomography is used to plan radiotherapy (simulation), which differs from diagnostic tomography:

  • its purpose is not to make a diagnosis because it was determined before qualifying for radiotherapy (the patient does not receive the so-called result),
  • the patient is placed in a special position, the so-called therapeutic, which will be accurately reproduced during treatment,
  • additional devices are used to stabilize the patient's position (e.g. in the treatment of cancers located in the head and neck - thermoplastic masks immobilizing the head).

After tomography, localization points are marked on the patient's skin and fixed with a tattoo, which guarantee the reproducibility of the patient's position during the entire course of radiotherapy.

Performing computed tomography may require special preparation from the patient, which is related to the location of the cancer and the use of a contrast agent (containing iodine) or its lack. Images from this examination are necessary to precisely define the treated area and protect healthy tissues and adjacent organs. Contrast agents allow the visualization of anatomical structures that are invisible or difficult to distinguish from the surroundings in an examination without contrast administration.

We encourage you to read the detailed description of how a patient should prepare for computed tomography - PDF file:

Preparation_for_tomography

In all cases, the patient should take any medications he or she takes during the day. This especially applies to painkillers, hypertension and diabetes medications.

Medicine currently has several cancer treatment methods, including: surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, standard and molecularly targeted chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. In order to obtain the best possible results of therapy, these methods are often used together (this is called combined treatment). The choice of optimal treatment depends on the type of cancer, its advancement, and patient-related factors (general condition, comorbidities, patient preferences). That is why it is so important that doctors of various specialties and other specialists participate in decisions about treatment.

Patient care during therapy at the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center is provided by a therapeutic team consisting of:

  • doctor specializing in radiation oncologywho qualifies the patient for radiotherapy, designates areas requiring irradiation, prescribes the dose of radiation and supervises the patient during and after radiotherapy,
  • medical physicist, who prepares the physical parameters of the treatment plan in accordance with the recommendations of the radiotherapist, checks that the devices operate properly and deliver the appropriate radiation doses,
  • electroradiology technician, who places the patient on the therapeutic table and operates the therapeutic device during the procedure. Performs simulation necessary to prepare a therapy plan,
  • nurse, which provides professional nursing care, informs the patient about ways to alleviate radiation-related complications and provides first aid in the event of their occurrence.

During the radiotherapy procedure, the patient lies in the irradiation room on the treatment table in the position determined during computed tomography. The electroradiology technician locates the treatment area based on the tattoos on the patient's skin, then leaves the radiation room and turns on the machine.

The patient is monitored using cameras from the next room (control room). A microphone and loudspeaker located on the wall allow you to communicate with technicians. During irradiation, the patient must lie completely still and breathe calmly and regularly.

A single fraction of irradiation lasts 10 – 20 minutes. During this time, the therapeutic apparatus may rotate and make various sounds. In case of anxiety, ailments or discomfort during therapy, they should be reported to electroradiology technicians. Irradiation can be stopped at any time.

Once a week, the patient visits his attending physician for a mandatory check-up. The visit schedule is established before the start of therapy. If disturbing symptoms occur or your health condition deteriorates, you can always consult a doctor who is on duty on a given day (between 9.00 a.m. and 15.00 p.m.).

Radical radiotherapy, used with curative intent, is usually carried out for 4 to 7 weeks. Symptomatic radiotherapy (also called palliative, aimed at slowing down the course of the disease and/or alleviating its symptoms) is performed in a more intensified manner over a period of one to several days. Most often, one radiation fraction is used per day for 5 consecutive working days a week.

It all depends on the treatment plan and the dose of radiation administered. A single fraction of irradiation lasts 10 - 20 minutes, but the preceding time needed to properly position the patient on the treatment table or to check the positioning using the IGRT checking system must also be taken into account. In total, the patient may stay in the irradiation room for from a dozen to 40 minutes.

Each patient responds differently to radiotherapy. Radiation treatments are painless, but complications may occur during or after treatment. Most often, they are related to the area undergoing treatment and vary for each patient, depending on the radiation dose and the part of the body being treated. If the patient notices any unusual symptoms during treatment, he or she should report them to the treating physician. Most complications related to radiation therapy are not serious and can be controlled with medication or diet. They usually disappear a few weeks after completing treatment. Only some complications may last longer.

This situation usually results from verification of the patient's positioning on the therapeutic table (performed every few irradiations in accordance with established procedures). The irradiation itself takes a similar amount of time, and the dose is previously determined in the treatment plan and administered by a device controlled by a computer system in which each fraction has been precisely planned. Each linear accelerator also has appropriate safeguards to prevent the dose from being administered higher or lower than the set dose.

Each patient receives a specific appointment at the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center, including not only the day but also the hour. The staff of the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center will try to arrange a date that is convenient for the patient. However, please remember that it is not always possible to fully adapt to the patient's preferences.

The staff also tries to organize work so that the waiting time for consultations and treatments is as short as possible. However, since each patient is treated individually, the time devoted to him is not strictly limited.

Moreover, in medicine, not everything can be predicted. The patient's therapy may be prolonged for various important reasons, and then all subsequent visits will be delayed. There are also unplanned situations when the life and health of patients require significant changes in the planned admission schedule, including a change in the order of visits. Therefore, visiting and therapy hours are indicative only. We apologize for any delays.

However, to ensure efficient and smooth operation and patient service:

  • please arrive 15 minutes before the time given in the therapy schedule,
  • if the therapy requires special preparation, you should come well in advance,
  • you should always scan the barcode on the individual wristband,
  • in controversial situations, the order of irradiation is always decided by the Center staff.

Once a patient is approved for radiotherapy, they receive a special wristband with a barcode. They must wear it at all times during treatment. The barcode should be scanned before each appointment with a doctor, radiotherapy, psycho-oncologist, or dietitian . After scanning the barcode, the Amethyst Radiotherapy Center's computer system displays information that the patient is at the facility and awaiting an appointment/therapy.

Irradiation is different for each patient, so it is necessary to clearly identify the patient each time. You should take care of the barcode wristband, scan it before each radiotherapy fraction and do not share it with other patients.

After completing radiotherapy, the wristband with the code is no longer active. Subsequent follow-up visits take place without code scanning. If the patient requires resumption of therapy, he or she receives a new identification bracelet.

Complications may occur during or after radiotherapy. The radiotherapist and nurse always inform about the complications that the patient can expect and advise how to deal with them. Most of them are harmless and can be controlled with medication or diet. They usually disappear a few weeks after completing treatment.

Early complications occur during treatment and up to six months after its completion. The most common symptoms during radiotherapy include fatigue, drowsiness, depressed mood, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, redness and inflammation of the skin, hair loss in the irradiated area, a feeling of tightness, and difficulty swallowing (irritation of the esophageal and oral mucosa).

Late complications occur several months to several decades after radiotherapy. Safe doses for individual organs are maintained for each patient, but the occurrence of symptoms of organ and tissue damage depends on their individual sensitivity to radiation, which is unpredictable before treatment begins, as well as on comorbidities (e.g., liver cirrhosis, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, pneumoconiosis). Clinical effects can range from an unfavorable cosmetic effect to symptoms that impair quality of life, such as fibrosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, dilated blood vessels, fistulas, or impaired wound healing in the irradiated area.

Patients should take special care of themselves to protect their health and support their therapy. Please pay attention to the following rules:

  • you must absolutely not consume alcohol - alcohol is a strong irritant to the mucous membranes, contributes to the intensification of symptoms related to radiotherapy and disturbs the body's metabolism;
  • a complete ban on smoking cigarettes - failure to comply with this ban may intensify radiation-related reactions and worsen the results of treatment;
  • sparing lifestyle - avoid heavy physical exertion and crowded places. You should also ensure that you rest during the day and get enough sleep at night;
  • taking care of an appropriate diet, which should be selected individually depending on the patient's general condition, the location of the disease and the type of therapy used;
  • skin care - it is worth using soft, preferably cotton materials, do not irritate the irradiated area, and consult the use of cosmetics with your doctor. The skin in the irradiated area should be washed with lukewarm water. However, you should not warm it up, cool it down or use painkillers. The skin should be protected from the sun's rays for at least one year after completing radiotherapy. It should be covered during radiotherapy, and after the radiation reaction has healed, creams with a high sun protection factor should be used. You can read more about this in the Radiotherapy Guide on page 26. The entire Guide is available here here.

Nutrition is an important element of cancer treatment. A healthy and well-balanced diet is crucial for treatment success. Cancer patients have higher calorie and protein requirements. It's important to try to eat slightly more than before diagnosis and gradually increase the size and frequency of meals. In cases of weakness and noticeable weight loss, oral nutritional supplements may be considered. Dietary modifications are sometimes necessary, depending on the specific nature of the disease and the need to protect a specific organ. The best methods for preparing meals for patients include boiling, stewing, and baking. Patients should drink plenty of fluids at room temperature and avoid sweetened beverages, highly processed foods, and foods high in sugar. Still mineral water and light tea infusions are recommended. During treatment, appetite may decrease, and nausea or other symptoms may occur. These should be discussed with a doctor and dietitian. More information on this topic can be found in the Radiotherapy Guide in the " Nutrition in Cancer" section , starting on page 38. Dietary advice can also be found in the " Detailed Practical Advice – Abdominal Radiotherapy and Pelvic Radiotherapy" section . The Radiotherapy Guide can be found here.

However, radiotherapy is not a reason to exclude yourself from normal life. During it, you can lead a normal sexual life (provided you use effective contraception), the treatment is safe for the environment - there is no need to avoid contact with loved ones, including children.

Hair loss is often a negative experience for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Radiotherapy, on the other hand, is primarily a local treatment - a specific area of ​​the body is irradiated, which is why hair loss is possible in this area. If a patient is receiving radiation therapy for a brain tumor, he or she may expect to lose significant scalp hair, and, for example, if a patient is undergoing radiation therapy for lung cancer, some hair loss may occur on the chest area. However, it should be remembered that sometimes treatment involves the simultaneous use of both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The risk of nausea occurs primarily in patients irradiated in the abdominal or pelvic area, although diarrhea may be more common in this case. During treatment, your doctor will give you treatment to prevent similar effects of radiotherapy or to reduce nausea. The patient can also take care on a daily basis to minimize their occurrence:

  • Eat and drink slowly, in small sips and do not drink while eating.
  • Eat small, frequent meals (5-6 small meals instead of 3 large meals).
  • Avoid fatty, fried foods and sweets.
  • Eat a small amount of pickled cucumbers or cabbage (except if there is irritation of the mucous membranes).
  • Serve meals cold to avoid irritating odors and the adverse effects of high temperature on the gastric and intestinal mucosa.
  • If you suffer from morning sickness, eat dry products, e.g. cereal toast, crispbread, croutons (if the patient does not have irritated and/or excessively dry mucous membrane of the mouth or throat).
  • Make up for lost calories and eat more while feeling better.
  • When cooking, turn on the hood to draw in unpleasant odors or open a window.
  • Wear comfortable and loose clothes.
  • Do not go to bed immediately after finishing a meal.

It is possible that an individual diet will be necessary. Any unpleasant symptoms should be consulted with medical staff.

Radiation can cause skin irritation – this is a common reaction in most patients undergoing radiotherapy. The skin in the treated area may become red, irritated, or brown. After a few weeks of radiotherapy, it may become very dry, and if the radiation reaction is severe, skin peeling may occur. The severity of the reaction depends on the duration of treatment, the dose, and the individual patient's response. However, it's important to remember that the described side effects are usually temporary , subsiding after radiotherapy ends.

It is very important to notify your doctor about more serious changes of this type (e.g. moderate or severe erythema, peeling of the epidermis in the folds and creases of the skin). He will implement appropriate treatment and provide additional recommendations on what products to use for skin care.

Restrictions on washing or shaving only apply to irradiated areas - the skin after radiotherapy is more sensitive, so you need to take special care of it. First of all, avoid rubbing, scrubbing and scratching the skin in the irradiation area. For daily personal hygiene, use a pH-neutral shower gel (the pharmacy employee will indicate the appropriate product) or water with soap, and gently wash the skin with lukewarm water. Do not wipe the skin with a towel - instead, dry it gently by applying water-absorbing materials.

Patients irradiated to the face or neck area cannot shave during radiotherapy. If it is necessary to shave the treated area, use an electric razor, but only after consulting your doctor. Do not use any pre-shave substances or hair removal creams.

Each body responds to radiotherapy in an individual way. During therapy, the skin requires special and careful attention because irradiation may cause irritation and reactions - from slight redness to stronger erythema and peeling of the epidermis. To best take care of your skin during treatment, it is good to follow the following recommendations:

  • Avoid mechanical damage to the skin in the irradiated area, do not rub or scratch it.
  • Wear loose, soft and breathable clothing, preferably cotton.
  • For daily personal hygiene, use a neutral pH shower gel (the pharmacy employee will recommend the appropriate product), do not use sponges, brushes or irritating substances. It is permissible to use roll-on deodorants that do not contain alcohol.
  • Do not wipe the skin with a towel - instead, dry it gently by applying water-absorbing materials.
  • Do not apply painkiller patches to irradiated skin.
  • Do not heat or cool (heating patches, ice bags, etc.) the treated area, use only lukewarm water to wash it.
  • Ventilate the irradiated area.
  • If redness or peeling of the skin occurs, you can use preparations in the form of creams or ointments recommended by the nurse, attending physician or pharmacist.
  • Protect the treated area from sunlight. Before going outside, cover the irradiated skin with a breathable fabric or a hat. You should protect your skin from the sun's rays for at least a year after completing radiotherapy. After the radiation reaction has healed, use creams with a high sun protection factor.
  • If it is necessary to shave the treated area, use an electric razor, but only after consulting your doctor. Do not use any pre-shave substances or hair removal creams.
  • Give up starching your bed linen.

If you have any doubts or questions, please contact your doctor who will help clarify them and prescribe an appropriate skin protection product.

Treatment with radiotherapy or brachytherapy is safe for the environment. Patients undergoing treatments at the center do not "radiate" after leaving the therapy room and do not pose any threat to other people, adults or children. So there is no need to avoid contact with your loved ones. If the patient or his or her loved ones have any doubts, we encourage them to talk to their doctor.

Yes. Radiotherapy itself does not affect a patient's ability to drive. What is more important is his general condition - if the patient's general condition is good and allows him to drive a car, there are no obstacles to driving a car after the radiation treatment.

Alcohol is a strong irritant to mucous membranes, contributes to the severity of symptoms associated with radiotherapy (such as diarrhea), and disrupts the body's metabolism. Therefore, patients should not drink alcohol during treatment and should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.

Nutrition is an extremely important element of cancer treatment. A healthy and well-balanced diet is important for the success of treatment.

The most important dietary rules:

  • The diet for cancer patients should be individually selected - each patient may tolerate the treatment and the diet used during it differently.
  • The patient should maintain a normal body weight. Detecting mild malnutrition and modifying the diet has a huge impact on the results of treatment. In cancer patients, the body has a higher demand for calories and protein. You should try to eat a little more than before the diagnosis of the disease and gradually increase the volume and frequency of meals. In case of weakness and noticeable weight loss, the use of oral nutritional supplements may be considered.
  • Sometimes it is necessary to modify the diet due to the specific nature of the disease and the need to protect a specific organ. The best methods of preparing meals for sick people are: cooking, stewing and baking.
  • It should be drink plenty of fluids at room temperature, avoid sweetened drinks and highly processed foods with high sugar content. It is worth choosing still mineral water and light tea infusions.
  • You should not take dietary supplements, and in special situations (some diseases causing vitamin and mineral deficiencies) you should do so under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian. A properly balanced and varied diet covers the body's need for all the necessary nutrients.
  • Do not eat apricot seeds! There is no medical confirmation that they fight cancer, but they may cause intestinal disorders.

You can read about how to manage nutritional problems during treatment in the Radiotherapy Guide, starting on page 38. The full Guide can be found here.

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