The Swallows Australian Edition Magazine

DIET AND NUTRITION
- Merran Findlay
Merran Findlay AdvAPD is the Executive
Research Lead-Cancer Nutrition and Oncology
Specialist Dietitian across the Royal Prince
Alfred Hospital-Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
partnership in NSW where she specialises in
nutrition support of people with head and neck
cancer. She is an Advanced Accredited
Practising Dietitian. Merran led the development
of internationally endorsed evidence-based
guidelines for nutritional management of people
with head and neck cancer. She was awarded
an NH&MRC Translating-Research-Into-Practice
Fellowship to implement an innovative model of
nutrition care for patients with head and neck
cancer.
DIET AND NUTRITION
Maintaining good nutrition before, during and
after cancer treatment is important to help
maintain strength, reduce infection, avoid
malnutrition and help your recovery. The location
of the cancer and treatment side effects can
make eating and drinking difficult. A dietitian is a
university-qualified health professional with
specialist training in medical nutrition therapy
and is an essential part of the multidisciplinary
team. Your dietitian is there to help you maintain
good nutrition and stay well hydrated.
Maintain Weight
• Rapid weight loss as a result of cancer or its
treatment can lead to malnutrition, muscle loss
and slow recovery. You will need more energy
(calories) and protein than usual to avoid
unplanned weight loss and malnutrition.
• Monitor your weight regularly and discuss any
unplanned weight loss with your care team.
Stay well-nourished
• Try small, frequent meals, especially if you are
unable to eat your usual amount at meal times.
Include foods that are high in protein and energy
(calories) at each meal or snack. These include
meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy or soy products,
legumes and pulses.
• Add extra energy (calories) by cooking with
oil, adding butter or margarine or adding
cheese, cream or sour cream to meals.
• Drink fluids that are nourishing such as milk or
soy milk, milkshakes, smoothies or juice. Your
dietitian may recommend special supplement
drinks that are high in protein and energy.
Feeding Tubes
• For some people, a feeding tube may be
necessary to help you maintain enough nutrition
and hydration, as well as take medications.
Feeding tubes are usually temporary, although,
in some cases, it may be permanent. If a feeding
tube is part of your care plan, your doctor,
dietitian and nurse will talk to you about how to
manage this and support you and your
caregiver throughout your care.
Symptom Management
• Common side effects that can reduce your
ability to eat well are reduced appetite, difficulty
swallowing, sore or dry mouth, pain, taste
changes, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and change
in bowel habits. Your dietitian will work closely
with your care team to provide advice on how
best to manage these.
• You may need to modify the texture of foods
so they are soft and moist enough for you to
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