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Managing the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on patients’ nutritional status

Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023
managing cancer treatment

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Adequate nutrition is a basic requirement of the human body, supporting cell growth and optimal organ function. The nutritional requirements of patients with cancer can increase due to systemic inflammatory responses caused by cancer and cancer treatments. Nurses have an important role in providing nutritional interventions to patients undergoing treatment for cancer, through education and person-centred nutritional care. This article examines which nutritional interventions provided by nurses can relieve symptoms and side effects, improve nutritional status and enhance quality of life in patients with cancer.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to enhance your understanding of the effects of cancer and its treatment on patients' nutritional status

to familiarise yourself with nutritional interventions that can support patients undergoing cancer treatment

to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)

to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)

Authors

Kathell Margaret Geraghty

Oncology staff nurse - oncology, The Galway Clinic, Galway, Republic of Ireland

Acknowledgements

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PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
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Last Reviewed: 22/11/2023