Breast Cancer Treatments and Nutrition

Numerous health studies have proven the benefits of good nutrition to maintain a healthy body. According to a recent online article proper nutrition is also important for patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are going through treatment. The nutritional recommendations for patients who are fighting breast cancer may differ from the general population. For the general population the focus is on lots of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, a moderate amount of lean meat and low fat dairy products. The recommendation is to cut back on fat, sugar, salt, and alcohol. For breast cancer patients the emphasis is generally on maintaining the patient’s weight. According to Veronica Johnson, a registered dietitian and clinical nutrition manager at the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Medical Center in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, “Research shows weight loss during breast cancer treatment can predict early mortality.” She added that “Many breast cancer patients tend to eat the same amount of food they did before their diagnoses and still lose weight. Weight loss can lead to malnutrition, which in turn can prevent the body from fighting infection, and complicate their health outcomes.”

Breast Cancer Treatment Success With Nutrition

A healthy diet for breast cancer patients includes eating and drinking enough the foods that will provide the proper nutrients the body actually needs. This can vary greatly from patient to patient. Much of the recommendation is based on what the patient can tolerate and the side effects the patient is experiencing. Breast cancer treatments change a patient’s regular eating habits and negatively affect how the body digest and absorbs food. Often the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed and there is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There could also be sores in the mouth and throat, or a dry mouth which are all common side effects and can challenge the goal of maintaining a nutritionally sound diet. Nutritional changes  the patient desires to make to their diet should be discussed with their treating physician.

Breast Cancer Reconstructive Treatment at Newport Plastic Surgery

Dr. Seify works with the entire treating physician team when treating his breast cancer reconstruction patients when at all possible. This is important as some of the breast cancer reconstruction options can change if the patient is not given all of her breast cancer reconstruction options at the time of diagnosis. During breast cancer reconstruction treatment Dr. Seify is concerned about the patient’s health, diet, and overall well-being. Breast  cancer reconstruction can be a lengthy process that could require multiple surgeries and follow-up visits. It is imperative that the patient understands what she can expect and communicates with Dr. Seify and his staff what she is feeling and any concerns that she may have. Dr. Seify and his staff are committed to helping patients to make decisions the for their breast cancer reconstruction surgery as stress free as possible.