Nutrition of patients during radio and chemotherapy

Abstract

The most common method of cancer treatment still includes surgical treatment, which is also the oldest way to fight cancer. Radiotherapy is currently one of the basic method of treating malignant tumors [1]. This method uses the action of ionizing radiation. However, the radiation does not work selectively and also damages healthy tissues. Chemotherapy - the youngest method of cancer treatment - consists in administering to patients cytostatics that block the basic life functions of the cell, mainly by disrupting the ability to divide and multiply cancer cells. Each of the mentioned therapeutic methods may cause side effects in addition to the therapeutic effect. Anorexia, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea or constipation are most often observed. During radiotherapy and chemotherapy, patients observe changes in taste, dry mouth and the possibility of oral irritation [2]. Through the occurrence of side effects of radio and chemotherapy, patients are exposed to the development of malnutrition and even cachexia. For this reason, intensive counseling and individual diet modification should be used in all patients undergoing radio and chemotherapy.