Consuming a diet full of key nutrients -- protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, water and fat -- is one of the most important things a patient can do before, during and after his or her cancer treatment. The optimal kind of nutritional therapy bolsters a patient's ability to maintain body weight and strength, fight infection and prevent body tissues from breaking down. The benefits -- an improved ability to handle higher doses of certain cancer treatments, not to mention a better prognosis -- are obvious.

However, the nutritional roadmap for cancer patients isn't as clear-cut, and can often vary greatly from the typical standards of healthy eating. That's why it's crucial for cancer patients to have nutritional pre-screenings and physical exams early on to identify and avoid any problems that may affect the success of their anticancer therapies.

Some facts to share with your doctor to help him or her develop the optimal treatment regimen for you:

* Be honest about your ability to perform daily activities like walking to the mailbox.

* Discuss any problems that have affected your eating habits, not to mention a loss of appetite.

* Detail any changes in your weight and in the kind and quantity of foods you've eaten over the past six months.

National Cancer Institute April 25, 2009

Image source: National Cancer Institute and Bill Branson