NUTRITION AND THE CANCER PATIENT

by Joyce Daly & Abby S. Bloch Margie ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 15, 1983

A thorough if unremarkable round-up of nutrition information and advice for people with cancer. Some of the eating problems faced by patients are a direct result of the disease, but many are side effects of the various treatments: ""the most difficult--yet controllable--side effects are those that affect a person's ability to obtain adequate nourishment."" The authors, both nutritionists, briefly review today's cancer treatment, emphasizing that ""the person who is in good nutritional shape is better equipped to withstand the rigors of the aggressive new anti-cancer therapies."" They also review the basics of good nutrition: food groups, vitamin/mineral needs, and the actual processes of digestion (so that readers whose digestive tracts are affected by cancer will understand what problems to expect). ""Specific problems and practical solutions"" looks at ways of coping with appetite loss, nausea, and mouth sores, among other difficulties; there are also hints on dealing with tube feedings and ostomies. Nutritional needs of children with cancer receive special attention (already finicky appetites can go haywire); finally, the authors caution against unorthodox ""alternative therapies"" and list sources of assistance (cancer centers, the American Cancer Society, pain clinics). The bulk of the guide is given over to somewhat routine recipes, set out so that readers can organize high-calorie, high-protein, low-sodium meals as needed (""polynesian hash,"" macaroni and cheese, peanut butter ice cream balls). A reassuring, mater-of-fact tone--if pedestrian advice overall.

Pub Date: Oct. 15, 1983

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Chilton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1983

Categories: NONFICTION