No matter where you are in colon cancer treatment, a nutritious diet should be part of your plan. Remember to eat enough calories, protein, and fiber, and stay hydrated. This can help strengthen your immune system.
Your colon is a key player in your digestive system, which is in charge of processing and delivering nutrients throughout your body to keep you healthy.
As such, eating well and maintaining a nutritious diet is one of the best ways you can prepare for and recover from colon cancer treatments.
Consuming a nutrient-dense diet can help support your health and keep your body and immune system as healthy as possible during colon cancer treatment.
People with cancer generally have increased nutrient needs, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy can be extremely hard on your body, as they sometimes destroy healthy cells — not just cancerous cells.
Experts say there are some key areas to pay attention to when rebuilding strength:
- Consume extra calories and protein, and supplement with certain nutrients to prevent deficiencies.
- A 2018 prospective cohort study
suggests that eating a high fiber diet may help reduce the risk of death in people with colon cancer. - Eat smaller, more frequent protein-rich meals to ensure you’re getting the energy you need. This may also help if you’re experiencing treatment-related side effects like nausea.
It’s important to work with a registered dietitian to craft an eating plan that works best for your specific needs and health status.
Think about your daily routine: What do you normally eat every day? How often? Based on this, you can make modifications that make sense for you.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s health situations, dietary restrictions, and capabilities are unique. For example, take into account:
- how well you’re able to chew and swallow
- what symptoms you’re experiencing
- any food allergies or intolerances you may have
What foods to prioritize
Before surgery, try adding these items to your meal plan:
- Fish, one to three times a week. Fish is full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for all balanced diets.
- Fruits and vegetables are excellent additions, as they contain vital vitamins and antioxidants. Some raw fruits and veggies with skin, however, may not be recommended before surgery.
- Bland foods, including:
- baked chicken
- buttered noodles or rice
- crackers
- individually wrapped string cheese
To help clean out your colon, your doctor may recommend a clear liquid diet for 12 to 24 hours before your surgery. Liquids you can consume may include:
- broth
- clear fruit juice
- gelatin
- plain coffee
Your doctor and a dietitian can also work with you to build a diet plan based on your individual needs.
What foods to limit
The following are some high fiber foods the
- beans
- nuts
- processed meats
- brown or wild rice
- whole grains
- raw or steamed vegetables
- raw or dried fruits
- popcorn
Most chemo, immunotherapy, and radiation treatments won’t require you to make changes to a balanced diet, unless your eating habits worsen symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea.
Make sure to talk with your doctor about what you can eat before treatment, since nutritional needs vary from person to person.
What foods to prioritize
Your doctor may recommend foods that aren’t associated with a balanced diet, such as high fat foods to maintain your weight, or milkshakes if you have mouth sores that prevent you from eating many foods.
The
- plant-based protein a few times every week, instead of meat
- fruits and veggies, especially citrus fruits and dark green and yellow veggies
- high protein snacks every few hours, instead of three full meals
Chemo and radiation can cause side effects, such as fever and vomiting, that increase the risk of dehydration. Staying hydrated can help maintain health and energy. Some people may require intravenous hydration.
Taste changes are common during treatment, which can make foods you usually enjoy displeasing. To help, try adding spices, herbs, and marinades to foods. Make sure to avoid making anything too spicy or salty.
Protein smoothies are a great way to stay hydrated and incorporate fiber and protein when you lack an appetite or have trouble chewing.
What foods to limit
Certain foods and drinks contain substances that may encourage the rapid growth and spread of cancer cells or worsen side effects. These include:
- anything high in simple sugars, like sweets and sodas
- anything high in saturated fats and trans fats, like pork, lamb, butter, and ultra-processed foods
- smoked, pickled, or salt-cured foods
- greasy, fried foods
- carbonated beverages
- caffeine
- snacks such as popcorn
- acidic foods
It’s best to avoid alcohol and tobacco during treatments as well.
Treatment for colon cancer may weaken your body’s ability to fight infections. To avoid food poisoning, avoid eating undercooked food and unwashed raw foods.
Your post-cancer treatment diet should continue to focus on good nutrition to help prevent cancer recurrence and other chronic diseases, like:
According to the
However, it’s not certain whether this is because of the benefits of a more balanced diet or the effect of a balanced diet on colon cancer.
If your side effects have subsided, you can begin to reintroduce some foods, as tolerated. Continue to consume a diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, and try to limit your alcohol and tobacco use.
For more support
Check out the
Starting treatment for colon cancer can involve an overload of information and dos and don’ts. We created this guide to help simplify the approach to eating before, during, and after treatment.
It’s important that you’re getting enough essential nutrients at all points of treatment. You’ll need to especially prioritize protein, fiber, and hydration.
For more help, speak with your oncologist or a registered dietitian. They can help you create an individualized eating plan since everyone’s nutritional needs and eating capabilities are different.