Home > Encyclopedia of Cancer > Nutritional Support

Description

Achieving adequate nutritional support is difficult during cancer therapy or treatment. However, preservation of body composition and proper nutrition will help to maintain strength and may improve daily function and ability to cope with cancer therapies. Adequate nutrition may contribute to a patient feeling better and stronger and may help to fight off infection.

Malnutrition is a primary concern and is an important cause of illness in cancer patients due to difficulty consuming enough calories and nutrients. Protein-energy malnutrition (or protein-calorie malnutrition) is particularly problematic, which is the most common secondary illness in cancer patients. It occurs when a lack of protein and energy (calories) are consumed to sustain the body composition,...