|
Cancer patient need to take enough nutrients to meet the following goals:
- Prevent or reverse nutritional deficiencies
- Decrease side effects of cancer and its treatment
- Maximize quality of life
The most common ways are
The most common ways are
By mouth
To meet the nutritional needs by taking in nutritious foods and drinks. Able to get enough nutrients by eating high-calorie, high-protein meals supplemented with snacks, canned liquid nutrition products, and homemade drinks and shakes. If that proves to be too hard, or if calorie and nutrient needs have greatly increased, need to use a feeding tube.
By feeding tube
Tube feedings are used most often to maintain good nutrition or boost weight in people
who have a poor appetite. Tube feedings can be given at home, if needed, with the help of family, friends, or caregivers. Once tube feedings begin, usually start to feel better because nutritional needs are being met.
By vein (total parenteral nutrition)
Tube feedings may not always provide all the needed fluids and nutrients in people with serious digestive problems. In these cases, nutrient solutions can be given through a vein.
This type of therapy is called intravenous hyperalimentation or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN is most often used when someone has:
- Surgery on the digestive system
- Complete blockage of the bowel
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Complications from cancer or treatment that prevent eating or using a feeding tube
- Like tube feedings, TPN can be given at home.
|
Participants