Our diet and eating habits are affected in many ways when we have cancer. The cancer itself cause weight loss, lack of appetite or other problems associated with eating. Surgical treatment may affect swallowing or the functioning of the digestive tract. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can cause nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and changes to one’s sense of taste and smell.

Mood swings or depression linked to cancer also affect appetite, resulting in decrease of food intake hence weight loss. In some case patients may even suffer from malnutrition, which can impede recovery and endurance.

For some undergoing treatment the situation may be the complete opposite. Hormone or cortisone medication may make one’s appetite and weight increase. Treatment doesn’t cause weight loss, but you can look after your weight by having regular meals, choosing to eat healthy food, and taking more exercise according to your stamina.

As you can see it is very important that cancer patients have a varied diet and adequate fluid intake. Even if cancer patient does not have appetite, it is important to get sufficient energy and nutrients from your daily meals. Cereals, green vegetables, pulses and foods with high levels of iron, such as spinach and cabbage help one maintaining energy levels. Eating small meals frequently is also good. You can snack on ready-made food supplements containing lots of nutrients. If in doubt always discuss diet with your doctor, nurse or dietician.

Cancer and exercise

For cancer patients exercise is important for wellbeing and recovery. Following treatment, the quicker you start exercising, the quicker your rehabilitation begins. Physical activity and light exercise increase muscle strength and give you energy. Don’t overstrain your body with heavy exercise, as the illness and treatment place a burden on you physically. It is important to start getting exercise, for instance by taking non-strenuous walks, household chores and shopping or to cycle to work.

You quickly notice the beneficial effects of exercise. Your mood starts to improve because exercise increases endorphin levels, particularly in the brain. Endorphins alleviate pain and enhance feelings of wellbeing.

Cancer and fatigue

May experience extreme tiredness and exhaustion that doesn’t improve with normal rest. or difficult to remember or concentrate on things. Ordinary daily routines become overwhelming.

Exhaustion is not only an effect of cancer but of many other illnesses. The reasons for fatigue during illness and treatment are not entirely clear. Fatigue may be short term (lasting few weeks) or long term (lasting long time impacting whole body). Fatigue may be to do with cancer treatment (tired of treatment) or other medication, anemia, weight loss and poor appetite, changes in metabolism, decreased hormone function, sleep disorders, reduced exercise, stress, shortness of breath, paid and possible infection as well as uncertainty and fear. Many causes cause Chronic fatigue hence you should discuss this with your doctor. Treatment methods depend on the reasons for the fatigue.

You should see your doctor

1. if fatigue becomes harsh and unbearable,

2. if rest and being outdoors don’t relieve fatigue,

3. if unable to attend to daily food intake and personal hygiene.

No single medical treatment for fatigue but it can be alleviated. You can relieve fatigue yourself. Short power naps are sufficient to maintain energy levels. You can rest several times a day, but only for short spells so that your natural daily rhythm is not disturbed. Undisturbed night sleep is important. If insomnia is a problem, you should talk about it with your doctor.