Page 59 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

No diet can cure cancer the right oral nutritional supplement — the right
While diet and lifestyle are among the most product, the right dose, the right timing; and at
other times, it means suggesting simple cooking
modifiable cancer risk factors, one message must modifications to improve palatability and intake.
be stated clearly: no “special” diet cures cancer.
There is no scientific evidence that eliminating Diet plans must also work around real constraints.
carbohydrates, following alkaline diets, drinking Non-admitted patients travelling daily for radiation
kahda, or relying on “detox” drinks can treat or chemotherapy often face fatigue, long waiting
malignancy. Many patients give up eggs, fish, hours, nausea and disrupted meal timings, so
chicken or milk out of fear or social pressure, modifications must fit real-life schedules rather
while others turn to excessive protein powders than ideal textbook situations. In government
or unverified supplements in desperation. Such and allied cancer hospitals, patients may also be
restrictive eating usually worsens nutritional status staying in NGOs or temporary accommodation
rather than improving it. where food options are fixed and resources
In India, where awareness of clinical nutrition is still limited. Nutritional advice must therefore be
evolving, the belief that “starving the cancer” helps practical, culturally acceptable, locally available
remains widespread. Combined with treatment and affordable.
side effects such as reduced appetite, altered Common challenges
taste and nausea, unnecessary food restriction
can lead to severe malnutrition, muscle loss and Many patients are referred for nutritional support
poorer treatment tolerance. only after significant weight loss or malnutrition
has already set in. Patients and caregivers often
Beyond meal plans underestimate the importance of nutrition during
Onco nutrition is a specialised branch of clinical treatment and focus primarily on medication,
nutrition that supports patients before, during and while misinformation from social media and
after treatment through scientifically designed other unreliable sources can lead to confusion
strategies. The responsibilities of an oncology and inappropriate dietary practices. Financial
dietitian extend well beyond meal planning. constraints may also limit access to recommended
foods or supplements. Effective nutrition care
Cachexia and the realities of care requires close collaboration with doctors, nurses,
Cachexia and sarcopenia, marked by progressive pharmacists and other healthcare professionals,
weight loss, muscle wasting, systemic inflammation and ensuring regular follow-up and long-term
and metabolic changes, are among the most monitoring in outpatient settings remains an
challenging conditions in cancer care. They ongoing challenge.
cannot be managed by simply advising patients Conclusion
to “eat more”. They require structured nutritional
intervention aimed at preserving lean body A variety of whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole
mass, improving intake, reducing deficiencies, grains, pulses, dairy and quality protein, supports
and maintaining functionality and dignity during treatment and recovery far more reliable than any
treatment. Individualised meal plans enriched with miracle diet. What matters is nutritional adequacy,
energy-dense, protein-rich foods, along with the consistency and sustainability, not chasing
judicious use of oral nutritional supplements, form shortcuts. Nutrition should no longer be seen as
a cornerstone of this support. an optional add-on in healthcare; it is one of the
The work of a dietitian is therefore not limited to essential pillars of modern medicine.
weight loss or weight gain alone. It continuously Because food, when guided by evidence and
balances medical science with practical realities. empathy, becomes more than nourishment. It
Sometimes this means correcting myths; becomes support. It becomes strength. And,
sometimes it means helping a patient choose often, it becomes hope.

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