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Cancer and Proper Nutrition

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Nutritional Needs of Cancer Patients

Nutrition is an important part of everyone's health and well being but the cancer patient may have more nutritional needs than the person who is not being treated for cancer. If you eat the right foods before, during and after treatment you will feel better and stay strong. This information will help you and your family learn about proper nutrition during cancer treatment and you will cope better with treatment side effects that may affect your ability to eat properly.

The cancer patients needs may change over the course of your treatment. You may only need general information at first regarding nutrition, and as treatments advance, you may require more detailed or individualized information and your nutritional needs may change.

This information is not meant to replace the advice given to you by your doctor or dietitian, you should always consult your physician before following any recommended diet and your nutritional needs.

The Path to Good Nutrition for People with Cancer

  1. The Benefits of Good Nutrition if You Have Cancer
  2. What Should I Eat if I Have Cancer?
  3. How to Obtain Adequate Nutrients
  4. Eat Properly If You Have Cancer - Find a Book to Show You How
  5. Nutritious Snacks for the Cancer Patients
  6. Smooth Drinks - Great Recipes to Try at Home!
  7. Recipe Books for Smoothie Drinks
  8. Smoothie Drinks - Video How-To
  9. Blogging About Cancer and Nutrition
  10. Dietary Supplements for Cancer Patients
  11. Share Some of Your Tips!
  12. Easy Soup Recipes
  13. Managine Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment - Surgery
  14. Side Effects of Cancer Surgery That May Effect Nutrition
  15. Managine Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment - Radiation
  16. Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment - Chemotherapy
  17. Always Remember Food Safety
  18. Low-Bacteria Diet
  19. What if You Have Changes in Taste and Smell?
  20. What if Your White Blood Count is Low?
  21. What if You Have Dry Mouth or Thick Saliva?
  22. What if You Have Difficulty Swallowing?
  23. What if You Have Constipation?
  24. What if You Have Diarrhea?
  25. Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals, Anti-oxidants and Other Dietary Supplements
  26. Video Memorial For Cancer Victims and Survivors
  27. Memorial Video

The Benefits of Good Nutrition if You Have Cancer

Good nutrition is especially important for people with cancer. Because the illness as well as the treatments may affect your appetite. Cancer and the treatments may also alter your body's ability to tolerate certain foods and properly use nutrients. Eating well while undergoing cancer treatments can help you:

  • Feel better overall.
  • Keep up your strength and energy.
  • Maintain your body weight.
  • Tolerate treatments and their side effects.
  • Promote healing.
  • Decrease risk of infection

What Should I Eat if I Have Cancer?

You should eat a variety of foods that provide necessary nutrients to maintain your health while fighting cancer. These nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, water, vitamins and minerals.

  • Protein - Protein helps growth, repairs body tissue and helps maintain a healthy immune system. Cancer patients often require more protein, especially if you undergo surgery, radiation or chemo because it helps promote healing of the effected tissue and help decrease infection. Sources of protein are lean meat, fish, poultry, dairy, nuts, beans and peas.
  • Carbohydrates and Fats - Carbs and fats provide the body with the bulk of the calories needed to maintain strength. Good sources of carbohydrates includes fruits, vegetables, breads, pasta, grains and cereals. Sources of fat include butter, margarine, oils, nuts, seeds and fat in meats.
  • Vitamins and Minerals - Vitamins and minerals are needed for proper growth and development. They also allow the body to use the energy supplied in foods. If you are receiving cancer treatment, it can be a challenge eating enough to maintain energy especially if you are experiencing side effects that causes you to eat less such as nausea or diarrhea. You may require a daily multi-vitamin or supplements.
  • Water - Water and fluids are vital to health. Of you are not drinking enough fluids and/or have vomiting and diarrhea, you could become dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids.

Since people with cancer have increased nutritional needs, make sure you try to do the following:

  • Eat 5 or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits every day.
  • Choose whole grains instead of processed grains and sugars.
  • Limit your consumption of red meats.
  • Choose foods that help maintain a healthy weight.

How to Obtain Adequate Nutrients

By mouth:
If possible, try to meet your nutrient needs by eating and drinking nutritious foods and beverages. It's possible to get enough nutrients by eating high-calorie, high protein foods and supplement with snacks, liquid nutrition products and homemade drinks and shakes. If that becomes impossible, you may have to use a feeding tube.

By feeding tube:
A think flexible tube is placed through the nose into the stomach. Once in place, the liquid nutrition can be given as needed. Sometimes it can provide 100% of nutrition, other times you can still eat by mouth. The tubes are so small that they don't interfere with swallowing.

You can also have a permanent type of tube that is surgically placed directly into the stomach (gastrostomy) or into the intestines (jejunosotomy), These procedures can usually be done as an outpatient and can be maintained at home with assist from family or caregivers.

By Total Parenteral Nutrition:
If tube feedings don't provide adequate nutrition, TPN can be used. This is administered through IV therapy directly into a vein. This is usually used when the patient has digestive problems or has had surgery or if there is a complete blockage of the intestines. TPN can b e given at home also.

Eat Properly If You Have Cancer - Find a Book to Show You How

Find a good book for reference

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Nutritious Snacks for the Cancer Patients

If you're receiving chemo, radiation or other treatment for your cancer, your body may require extra calories and protein to help you maintain weight and recover and heal as quickly as possible. Healthy snacks can help maintain those needs. Make it easier to incorporate snacks into your meal plan by:

  • Eat small nutritious snacks throughout the day.
  • Keep a variety of protein-rich snacks on hand that are easy to prepare and eat, such as yogurt, ceral and milk, half a sandqich, soup or cheese and crackers.
  • Avoid snacks that make treatment-related side effects worse such as raw vegetables or fruits if you have diarrhea or acidic foods if you have a sore throat.


Sometimes it's difficult to remember what you should or shouldn't eat. Here is a list of some popular and nutritious snacks you can prepare ahead of time or even carry in your purse.

  • Angel food cake
  • bread
  • cereal
  • cheese
  • cookies
  • crackers
  • dips made with cheese, beans or yogurt
  • fruit
  • gelatin
  • granola
  • homemade milkshakes and drinks
  • ice cream
  • juices
  • milk
  • muffins
  • nuts
  • peanut butter
  • pretzels
  • puddings and custards
  • sherbet
  • soups
  • sports drinks
  • vegetables
  • yogurt

Smooth Drinks - Great Recipes to Try at Home!

For all of the following recipes, use ingredients for each shake and place all ingredients in blender, cover and blend on high until well blended. Chill before serving. Add 1-2 tbsp of powdered milk to each blender full to increase protein.

Sherbet Shake
1 C sherbet
1/2 C whole milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

Cottage Cheese Smoothie
1/3 C cottage cheese
1/3 C vanilla inc cream
1/4 C prepared fruit gelatin

Instant Breakfast Shake
1/2 C whole milk
1 envelope instant breakfast mix
1 C vanilla ice cream

Peach Yogurt Smoothie

1 envelope instant breakfast mix
1 C whole milk
1/2 C peach yogurt
6 to 10 crushed ice cubes

Chocolate Cocoa Drink
1 1/4 C vanilla ice cream
1/2 C whole milk
1 package hot chocolate mix
2 tsp sugar

Recipe Books for Smoothie Drinks

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Smoothie Drinks - Video How-To

DIY: Strawberry Banana Smoothie Drink
by CHIQBELLE | video info

327 ratings | 24,680 views
automatically generated by YouTube

Blogging About Cancer and Nutrition

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Dietary Supplements for Cancer Patients

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Share Some of Your Tips!

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  • Reply
    alisha66 May 24, 2011 @ 12:13 am | delete
    A healthy diet is always important for everybody, but it becomes even more critical during the cancer treatment. Good nutrition especially during the treatment can reduce fatigue, boost your immune system and aid in recovery.
    Eating healthy
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Easy Soup Recipes

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Managine Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment - Surgery

There are many treatments for cancer, depending on type, location and the plan you and your healthcare professional decide on, you may have chemo, radiation or surgery or a combination of all 3. Managine eating problems during those treatments can be challenging. Let's discuss ways to manage those eating problems through each type of treatment.

Surgery removes cancer cells and surrounding tissues. After surgery the body needs extra calories and protein for wound healing and recovery. You may experience pain, fatigue and may be unable to eat a normal diet because of surgical-related side effects. The body's ability to use nutrients may also be altered if part of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon or rectum were removed.

Remember the side effects will go away within a few days of the operation. Certain drugs, self care practices and diet changes can help lessen the side effects you may experience.
In the meantime, eat properly to aid in healing and keep up your strength.

  • Eat as well as you can on days when your appetite is good, but don't be too hard on yourself if you aren't able to eat properly. Try eating small, frequent meals.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help from family and friends. They can do some shopping and cook some meals for you.
  • Foods low in fat and easy to digest are easier to tolerate, so choose foods that aren't heavy, greasy or gassy.
  • Try to resume your normal daily routine as soon as possible.
  • Make sure to take in plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Sip on water, juices and other clear liquids throughout the day.


Surgical Diet Progression

Clear Liquids

* Plain Gelatin
* Sports Drinks
* Juices
* Strained Citrus Juices
* Fruit ices
* Popsicles
* Strained lemonade
* Clear sodas
* Weak tea
* Clear broth
* Bouillon
* Strained vegetable broth
* water
* Clear soda
*Weak tea
*Clear broth
*Bouillon
*Strained vegetable broth
*water

Easy to Digest Foods

* White bread
* White rice, noodles, potatoes
* Fruit nectars
* Soft custard
* Plain milkshakes
* Refined cereal
* Milk, all types
* Lean beef, fish, skinless chicken/turkey
* Instant cereals
* Angel food cake
* All juices
* Plain puddings
* Frozen yogurt
* Ice milk
* Canned peeled fruits and vegetables
* Crackers

Regular Diet

* Stay away from gassy foods such as beans, melons, milk and milk products, broccoli, cauliflower...
* High fat or greasy foods may not be tolerated for awhile.
* Eat small frequent meals

Side Effects of Cancer Surgery That May Effect Nutrition


After surgery, the type and duration of side effects you have may depend on the where on the body the surgery was performed and your overall health. Here are some common side effects of surgery for cancer:

Tongue
  • Difficulty swallowing and chewing
  • Taste changes
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue


Jaw or Gums
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Taste changes
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore mouth
Esophagus
  • Heartburn
  • Indigestion
  • Feel full after eating
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
Stomach
  • Full feeling after eating
  • Acid stomach
  • Fat intolerance
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
Small Intestine Resection
  • Decreased absorption of nutrients
  • Fat intolerance
  • Milk intolerance
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Gas
  • Cramping
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
Colon Resection
  • Increased transit time of foods you eat
  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Cramping
  • Decrease absorption of nutrients
  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
Rectum Resection
  • Increased rectal pressure
  • Constipation
  • Rectal burning
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
Pancreas
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Fat intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • High blood sugar
Lung
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling of fullness after eating
Breast
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swellig of arm and hand
  • Limited motion of shoulder
Prostate
  • Change in urination habits
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
Brain
  • Changes in appetite and sleep
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
Gynecological
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling full after eating
  • Bloating
  • Gas

Managine Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment - Radiation

When you have radiation therapy, radiation is directed at parts of the body with cancer cells so the cancer cells are unable to grow and divide. While all cells are exposed to radiation, most normal cells can usually recover. Usually when you have radiation, patients receive treatments 5 days a week for 2 to 9 weeks. The type of side effects you may experience depends on the body part receiving the radiation, the size of the area receiving the radiation and the number of treatments.

Area of Body Being Treated:

Brain, Spinal Column.................................Nausea, Vomiting

Tongue, voice box,
tonsils, salivary glands,
nasal cavity, pharynx.................................Sore mouth, difficulty or pain swallowing,
change in taste, sore throat, dry mouth,
thick saliva

Lung, esophagus, breast............................Difficulty swallowing, heartburn

Large or small intestine,
prostate, cervix, uterus,
rectum, pancreas.......................................Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
gas, bloating, difficulty tolerating milk products

Side effects usually start around the 2nd or 3rd week of treatment and peak about 2/3's of the way through treatment. After radiation, side effects generally last about 2-3 more weeks before subsiding.

Suggestions for people receiving radiation treatments:

  • Try eating at least 60 minutes before treatment.
  • Bring foods or supplements with you to eat or drink on the ride to and from the treatment center, especially if you are traveling a long distance.
  • Eat small frequent meals with fluids.
  • Ask family or friends to help with grocery shopping and meal preparation.
  • Everyone is different, so don't expect the same side effects as someone else. Try things that work for you.
Manage Side Effects of Radiation:
  • Eat when you are feeling good.
  • If you have thick saliva or dry mouth, rinse your mouth often with a salt and soda mouthwash made of 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp baking soda added to one quart of water. Rinse before meals and snacks.
  • If you are having pain, consult your doctor about analgesias.

Managing Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment - Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves taking strong drugs designed to kill rapidly dividing cells. The drugs most commonly taken by mouth or given by injection into the bloodstream.

Chemo drugs can damage both healthy and cancerous cells. Bone marrow is most often damaged along with hair and the lining of the digestive tract from the mouth to the rectum or anus.Side effects will depend on what kind of chemo you take and how you take them. Here are some common side effects of chemo that may affect your ability to eat:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in taste and smell
  • Mouth tenderness or sores
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Fatigue
  • Low white blood cell counts with the chance for infection.
  • Changes in weight

Nutrition suggestions for people receiving chemotherapy:

If you take your chemo treatments at an outpatient facility, and most people do, it may involve several hours each visit.
  • Plan ahead and bring a light meal or snack.
  • Make sure you eat something before receiving your treatment.
  • Fatigue may occur and is common during chemo. Help boost your energy by eating a well balanced diet that includes protein (eggs, milk, meat, beans).
  • Don't be too hard on yourself if side effects cause you to not eat. Try eating small frequent meals.
  • Some side effects of chemo go away within a few hours of treatments. Contact your physician if the symptoms persist.

Always Remember Food Safety

...even if you DON'T have cancer!



Food Safety:

When your immune system is weak, be especially careful when buying foods, preparing meals and dining out. Always remember it's important to reduce your risk of exposure to bacteria and other organisms that could multiply and cause serious infections when your immune system is weak.
  • Wash your hands with warm soapy water before and after preparing food and before eating.
  • Refrigerate foods at or below 40 degrees.
  • Cook foods to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  • Cook meats until well done without traces of pink in the center.
  • Thaw meat, fish or poultry in the microwave or refrigerator in a dish to catch drips.
  • Use defrosted foods right away and not refreeze them.
  • Put perishable foods in the fridge within 2 hours of serving. Egg and cream and mayonnaise dishes should go in the fridge within 1 hour.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before peeling or cutting.
  • Wash tops of canned foods with soap and water before opening.
  • Use different utensils for stirring foods and tasting them.
  • Cook eggs until the whites are completely hard and the yolks begin to thicken.
  • Throw out foods that look or smell strange. Never tast them!



Grocery Shopping:
  • Check the 'sell by' and 'use by' dates, use only the freshest products.
  • Make sure fresh meat has a good date on it.
  • Dont; use dented or rusted cans of food.
  • Select unblemished fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid foods from the deli and when buying baked goods from the bakery, don't buy unrefrigerated cream and custard-containing desserts.
  • Avoid yogurt and cream products dispensed from soft-serve machines.
  • Avoid foods sold in bulk out of a self-serve containers.
  • Avoid trying free samples offered in a store.
  • Check the eggs...don't buy eggs that are cracked.
  • Select frozen and refrigerated foods last when shopping especially during summer months.
  • Store groceries promptly and never leave food in a hot car.
Dining Out:
  • Avoid crowds. Go to your favorite restaurant early so there isn't as many people.
  • Ask that food be prepared fresh in fast food restaurants.
  • Request single-serving condiment packages and avoid self-serve bulk condiments.
  • Avoid hig risk food sources such as salad bars, deli's, buffets, smorgasbords and sidewalk vendors.

Low-Bacteria Diet

Some cancer therapies cause low white blood cell counts. If you have this type of treatment and have low white blood cell count, you must handle and prepare food carefully to avoid exposure to bacteria. Wash your hands before and after preparation and before eating. Always keep hot foods above 140 degrees and cold foods below 40 degrees.
  • Wash hands thoroughly with warm soapy water.
  • Use different cutting boards for meats and vegetables. Don't use a wooden cutting board. Use a solution of one tablespoon bleach in four cups of water. Let the solution on the cutting board for a least 2 minutes then rinse with hot, clean water.
  • Thaw foods in the microwave or refrigerator then cook them immediately. Never thaw at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking them and eat them within 24 hours.
  • Avoid raw and undercooked foods.
  • Substitute frozen pasteurized eggs or powdered egg whites for raw eggs in recipes such as eggnog, Ceasar salad dressing and meringues.
  • Drink bottled water and commercially bottled soft drinks.

What if You Have Changes in Taste and Smell?

Cancer and it's treatments can cause changes in your sense of taste and smell. If this is happening with your treatments try foods or beverages different from what you normally consume.
  • Try using plastic utensils if you have a metallic taste while eating.
  • Season your foods with tart flavors such as lemon wedges, lemonade, citrus fruits, venegar and pickled foods.
  • Chew lemon drops, mints or gum which can help get rid of unpleasant tastes that linger after eating.
  • Flavor foods with onion, garlic, chili powder, basil, oregano, tarragon, barbecue sauce mustard, ketchup, or mint.
  • Increase the sugar in foods to increase their pleasant tastes and decrease salty, bitter or acid tastes.
  • Rinse your mouth with tea, ginger ale, salt water or water with baking soda before eating to help clear taste buds.
  • Serve foods cold or at room temperature. This helps decrease the foods' tastes and smells, making them easier to tolerate.
  • Freeze foods such as cantelope, grapes, oranges and watermelon.
  • Eat fresh vegetables, as they may be more appealing than canned or frozen ones.

What if Your White Blood Count is Low?

Here are some recommended foods to eat if your white blood count (WBC) is low.
  • Well-cooked meats, well cooked pasteurized eggs , cream, cottage cheese or processed cheeses, yogurt, soup.
  • Breads, cereals, rice and pasta are recommended.
  • Fruits that are thick skinned, unblemished and peeled or canned, or well-cooked fresh, frozen or or canned vegetables.
  • Beverages such as processed fruit juice, instant breakfast, homemade milkshakes, non dairy creamer, soda, coffee, tea, commercial liquid supplements. Desserts such as fruit pies, cakes and cookies without nuts, jello, ice cream, sherbet, popsicles, chips and pretzels. Other miscellaneous foods such as sugar, jam, jelly, preserves, molasses, syrup, mustard, catsup, candy, chocolate, pickles, relish, olives, butter and margarine, vegetable oil, peanut butter. Adding salt, pepper, herbs, spices or honey after cooking is recommended.
Foods that may cause distress:
  • Meat or fish salads with raw vegetables, raw fish, raw or rare meat, soft cooked eggs, (which includes over easy, poached, soft boiled, sunny side up), Caesar salad, raw cookie dough, fresh blue cheese dressing, unpasteurized cheeses and cold, uncooked soups.
  • Macaroni or pasta salad or potatoe salad with raw vegetables, breads or cereals with dried fruits, nuts or seeds.
  • All other fresh or dried fruits and raw vegetables ot mentioned in the recommended section above.
  • Fresh squeezed fruit juice, unpasteurized fruit juice or beer and wine.
  • Non commercial ice cream, sherbet or popsicles, popcorn.
  • Raw or roasted nuts, salt, pepper, herbs, spices or honey added after cooking.

What if You Have Dry Mouth or Thick Saliva?

Some cancer treatments and medications can cause dry mouth or thick saliva. If you have either of these side effects, drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat moist foods if possible. Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth regularly with baking soda and water or salt water to keep mouth clean and prevent infection. Avoid commercial mouthwashes with alcohol based because it tends to irritate and dry further.

Other tips:
  • Drink 8-12 cups of liquid/day and take a bottle of water with you if you leave the house. This will help loosen the mucus.
  • Use a straw to drink fluids.
  • Take small bites and chew your food well.
  • Eat soft, moist foods that are cool or at room temperature. Try blenderizing fruits and vegetables, soft cooked chicken and fish and well thinned cereals, popsicles and slushies. Avoid foods that stick to the roof of the mouth.
  • Moisten foods with broth, soup, sauces, gravy, creams, butter or margarine.
  • Suck on sour lemon drops, frozen grapes, popsicles or ice chips.
  • Keep your mouth clean by using a soft bristled tooth brush and rinse your mouth before and after meals with plain water or mild mouth rinse made with 1 quart water, 1/2 to 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp baking soda. Floss regularly. Brush your tongue as well.
  • Stay away from caffeine drinks.
  • Use cool moist humidifier to moisten room air, especically at night.

What if You Have Difficulty Swallowing?

Some cancer treatments and medicines can cause problems with swallowing. If you are having this side effect, try eating soft, liquid foods. Thick liquids may work better and you can buy Thick-it, a powder that actually thickens the liquids to a consistency easier to swallow without changing the taste. If you are unable to eat enough calories every day because of the difficulty swallowing, contact your doctor and eat high protein foods, high calorie foods as tolerated in the meantime. You may need to see a speech therapist to teach you how to swallow more easily and how to decrease coughing and choking during eating and drinking.

You can also use tapioca, pureed vegetables, instant potatoes and baby rice cereal if you prefer.

What if You Have Constipation?

Pain medications, changes in eating habits and decreased physical activity can cause your bowel habits to change. Stool may become hard and difficult to pass. If you experience constipation, try eating high-fiber foods that can stimulate your bowels to move. Eat more whole grain breads and cereals, raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, seeds and nuts. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, eat at regular times and try to increase your physical activity.
  • Try eating at the same times each day.
  • Try to have a bowel movement at the same time each day to establish regularity.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of liquid each day, preferably water.
  • Limit drinks and foods that cause gas such as carbonated drinks, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, peas and onions.
  • Eat high fiber and bulky foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, popcorn and dried beans.
  • Eat a breakfast that includes a hot beverage.
  • Use laxatives only with the advice of your physician. Contact your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement for at least 3 days.

What if You Have Diarrhea?

Cancer treatments and medications can cause your bowels to move much more frequently and become very loose. If you have diarrhea, avoid high fiber foods such as legumes, whole grains, dried fruits, raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid fried or greasy foods and stay away from gassy foods and carbonated beverages. Be sure to maintain fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Drink plenty of mild, clear fluids during the day.
  • Eat small, frequent meals and snacks.
  • Avoid greasy, spicy or greasy foods.
  • Limit milk or milk products.
  • Avoid drinks and foods that cause gas.
  • Drink and eat high sodium foods such as broths, soups, sports drinks, crackers and pretzels.
  • Drink high potassium foods such as fruit juices, sports drinks, potatoes without the skin and bananas.

Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals, Anti-oxidants and Other Dietary Supplements

Many people with cancer take herbs and other alternative therapies hoping to treat their disease. Types of alternative therapies commonly used include vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, animal extracts, hormones, herbs and other supplements

There are many reasons people take these supplements such as the desire to actively participate in treatment and improve nutrition. Sometimes friends and family members encourage people with cancer to try the supplements, but to date, there is no evidence that these products are effective treatments for the disease. Sometimes large amounts of these products can be harmful. Sometimes it may reduce the effectiveness of the chemotherapy or radiation therapy. So, please contact your doctor and let him know what you're taking.

Many fruits and vegetables are a good natural source of antioxidants. Although herbs have been used to treat disease for hundreds of years and many are harmless, others can cause severe and harmful side effects and interfere with your treatment.

Video Memorial For Cancer Victims and Survivors

For anyone out there who has lost someone to cancer, or if know a cancer survivor or are one yourself, you know how ugly cancer can be. This video is dedicated to all those who have fought, those who still fight and those who have lost the battle.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Rock & Run 2007 Suvivorship Video
by MSKCCRockAndRun09 | video info

2 ratings | 509 views
curated content from YouTube

Memorial Video

I didn't put this video on this lens to make everyone sad, although it is a very touching movie. I want everyone to see the need to fight cancer, take care of yourself and be as good as you can be while you're kicking it's ass!
Saving Charmaine (2009)
by azlyjacaz | video info

46 ratings | 17,028 views
curated content from YouTube

by

morganna

Time is flying by in this world. The older I get the faster it goes...my Mother told me that one time and I didn't believe her. I have so many passion... more »

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