PROPER DIET IN ONCOLOGY TREATMENT

The Amethyst Radiotherapy Center has introduced the possibility for patients to consult a specialist dietician who will prepare an optimal diet for them. So far, approximately 200 patients have benefited from the help of Dr. Dominika Mękal.

Almost all of them had some problem with eating. Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy have problems, for example, with eating acidic foods, and eating often causes pain. Some patients develop severe malnutrition during treatment due to lack of appetite or taste. The higher energy demand associated with the disease and the therapy, which is not supplemented, leads to rapid weight loss and loss of muscle mass. And this means for the patient not only less strength to fight the cancer and a greater risk of infection and worse prognosis, but also many complications and a longer stay in the hospital. According to data from the National Cancer Institute  up to 40% of patients die not because of cancer, but because of malnutrition. Therefore, both prevention and the quickest possible diagnosis of patients at risk of or undernourished are crucial. This will improve the quality of life of patients, reduce the risk of complications and mortality, and reduce treatment costs.