There are many myths about nutrition in oncological disease, the existence of which may have a negative impact on the treatment process. These myths function not only among the patients themselves, but also in the social consciousness, as shown by the SMG / KRC study commissioned by Nutricia Medyczna. We debunk the most common ones.
1. MYTH: Losing weight and malnutrition is a natural condition accompanying the disease
This is what 77% of respondents think1 . As a result of the disease and therapy, there may be problems with eating (lack of appetite,dysphagia , i.e. problems with swallowing, nausea), but it does not mean that weight loss always affects every patient. Knowing about the occurrence of such side effects, it is even more worth asking a doctor or dietitian how to prevent malnutrition of the body. Deep malnutrition and cachexia are often independent factors of poor prognosis. Intensive nutritional treatment should be undertaken, as a malnourished patient develops complications more often and may not tolerate treatment. Often times, he is not able to implement the therapy in full doses and at the right intervals, which may ultimately translate into worse results of oncological treatment. An early consultation with a doctor or dietitian, change of diet and / or addition of medical nutrition may positively affect the level of nutrition, thus limiting its negative impact on the therapy. That is why experts agree that medical nutrition should be an integral part of oncological treatment.
2. TRUTH AND MYTH: Home meals are best and most nourishing.
During oncological treatment, in the case of many cancer patients, there comes a time when the traditional diet is not able to meet the increased demand for energy, protein and other nutrients. It is not without reason that many experts emphasize that one of the integral elements of treatment should be medical nutrition, i.e. the inclusion of specialized nutritional supplements (e.g. Nutridrink), which allow to supplement nutritional deficiencies. These preparations are liquid, properly balanced, contain all the necessary nutrients and the right amount of energy in a small volume.As long as the patient is able to eat, they can be used in addition to the normal diet and should then be taken between meals. However, if necessary, some of these preparations can completely replace a normal diet or individual meals, e.g. when the patient has problems with chewing or swallowing.
3. MYTH: You can starve cancer.
28% of respondents agree with the statement that during cancer, the consumption of high-calorie foods, vitamins and minerals should be limited as they can accelerate the disease progression. Fasting does not inhibit tumor growth, but it can significantly worsen the patient's condition. Malnutrition in a patient leads to the fact that the body does not have the "fuel" necessary to live and fight the disease. In order to obtain energy, the body uses its own reserves not only from adipose tissue, but also from muscle tissue. As a consequence, it may result in extreme weakness, increased anorexia, a decrease in the pain threshold, and may lead to the failure of many organs. The consequence of "starving cancer" may be postponing the next stages of therapy or even making treatment impossible.
4. MYTH: Protein feeds cancer.
Every fifth respondent believes that cancer patients should avoid high-protein foods, as it may promote the development of cancer. On the contrary, in cancer patients the need for protein can increase significantly! If we do not provide the body with a sufficient amount of this nutrient, the protein necessary for functioning is obtained from decomposition - first from the muscles, and then from other organs. Hence, in the course of the development of neoplastic disease, there is a large deficiency of protein. Removing it from the diet additionally, without consulting a doctor, weakens the body and may make it difficult to fight the disease. It is also worth remembering that protein, carbohydrates and fats together with vitamins, trace elements and water determine the proper functioning of the metabolism. Protein has countless functions - it conditions the renewal of damaged tissues, wound healing, supports the functions of the immune system, and the production of enzymes and hormones. It's a component that is involved in virtually every function of every cell.
5. MYTH: Medical nutrition is only used in a hospital. They are mostly drips.
As shown by awareness research, medical nutrition is often associated with feeding with a probe or "drip" feeding, while there are more forms of nutritional treatment. Medical nutrition, after consulting a doctor, can also be used at home. Special nutritional preparations are available, among others in the form ofliquid directly to drink and can also be used as an addition to prepared meals. On the other hand, a drip is usually nothing more than water with a small amount of sodium chloride, glucose and possibly other s alts. It is not a meal replacement, but only a way to correct electrolyte disturbances. It does not contain nutritional ingredients such as protein, fats or carbohydrates. If eating meals by the oral route is impossible, preparations for medical nutrition are administered by gavages directly into the gastrointestinal tract. The third option, used as a last resort in the case of gastrointestinal failure, is parenteral nutrition, administered directly into the vein bypassing the gastrointestinal tract (mistakenly called "drips"). Experts emphasize that the ingestion of food through the gastrointestinal tract is the most natural and safe form of nutrition, and the use of intravenous nutrition is the next step when using the digestive tract is impossible.
6. MYTH: There is a diet to cure cancer.
A lot has been said about the miracle diets that treat cancer. So far, however, the effectiveness of none of them has been proven, and the risk of malnutrition during the use of such diets is very high. Changing the proportion of dietary elements may result in the appearance of various ailments in a sick person, e.g. cause constipation, aggravate abdominal pain, as well as significantly disturb the absorption of various micronutrients. The danger is growing as the authors of such diets encourage patients to completely abandon conventional treatment and restrict their therapy to their diet. Doing so may mean losing the chance of a cure for the cancer for the patient.
1. The study was carried out by the research institute SMG / KRC at the request of Nutricia Medyczna on March 30 - April 1, 2016; representative sample in terms of age, sex, size of town and region, n=400; methodology: online survey: CAWI.
Part of the answers to myths was prepared on the basis of the guide for patients and caregivers "Facts and myths of nutrition in cancer" by Dr. Aleksandra Kapała, an oncologist working at the Department of Cancer of the Head and Neck at the Oncology Center-Institute in Warsaw and the Chairwoman Hospital Nutrition Team.