Reflections on Nutritional Issues Associated with Cancer Therapy Pam McGrath, BSocWk, MA, PhD Purpose: It is now recognized that dietitians have a significant role to play in the care of oncology patients, many of whom have problems with nutrition. However, it is increasingly understood that there are important obstacles to assisting patients with nutritional problems in the oncology setting. The purpose of this article is to discuss the incidental findings of two recent studies, highlighting the importance of and problems associated with nutritional issues in patients with a hematologic malignancy. Overview: This article presents findings from two recent studies with a subset of patients who have hematologic malignancies. This diagnostic subgroup has specific challenges associated with nutrition and eating because of the intensive and aggressive treatments that patients endure. An explorative, descriptive, iterative, qualitative methodology was used for both studies. The focus was on exploring the lived experience of treatment in oncology/hematology for patients (prospective) and caregivers (retrospective) Clinical Implications: The findings indicate that the issues surrounding food and eating are considered to be of great significance both to patients who are undergoing intensive treatments for a hematologic malignancy and to their caregivers. The significance of food is not seen purely in relation to its nutritional value, but as an important quality-of-life issue. Eating problems during intensive chemotherapy are perceived as highly stressful and can be, in the case of treatment-related anorexia, life threatening. Recommendations are made for interventions that could reduce the stress and nutritional difficulties for both patients and caregivers. Cancer Practice, Volume 10 Issue 2 Page 94, March 2002 Ann's NOTE: You might ask your doctor to look over this article with you. S/he should have access to the complete writing. Nutrition matters. Eat whole organic foods. Juice if you cannot chew. More information throughout this website. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.