Cancer Nutrition

Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to maintaining overall good health. For those battling cancer however, proper nutrition is not merely recommended, it is crucial. Cancer patients must take extra care to ensure that their bodies receive adequate levels of nutrients, calories, and protein in order to maintain their strength, energy, and ability to fight infection. Nutrition may also play a role in the way that patients react to various forms of treatment. Maximize the body’s strength and defenses may increase its ability to tolerate specific treatments that may be harsher on the system than others.

Despite the influence that nutrition can have on their treatment and recovery, few patients are adequately educated about the unique nutritional needs of cancer patients. Most healthcare providers fail to effectively emphasize and communicate this vital information to their patients. Therefore, it is imperative for the healthcare community to increase awareness and to make nutrition one of its top priorities. Nutrition education and assistance programs must be funded and established at both local and national levels for this change to take place.

When battling a disease a formidable as cancer, patients need every available advantage in order to maximize their quality of life and to increase their chances of recovery. Cancer.ext.com is a social network connecting patients, advocates, and volunteers. Cancer.ext.com is devoted to helping patients learn to adopt a more proactive approach to their recovery. With access to a wealth of valuable resources, members can research a variety of cancer-related topics. They are encouraged and empowered to develop strategies to not only cope with, but to overcome their disease as well. As part of this effort, Cancer.ext.com has assembled the Cancer Patient Bill of Rights. The goal of this 15-part petition is to demand changes in legislature that will benefit both cancer patients and cancer research. Those who would like to lend their support are given the opportunity to sign the petition online.