Nutrition Through Cancer Treatment
Case Study: Nutrition Through Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can profoundly affect a person’s relationship with food, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. This case study follows Veronica’s journey of nutrition support through cancer treatment and highlights the critical role of the dietitian in oncology.
Individualised nutrition support can:
- Improve treatment tolerance
- Reduce symptom burden
- Enhance overall quality of life
Client Background
At 59, Veronica was diagnosed with breast cancer and began chemotherapy. Like many undergoing cancer treatments, she faced a range of symptoms that altered her eating habits and made it difficult to maintain optimal nutrition.
Early in her journey, she experienced significant weight and muscle loss, fatigue, taste alterations and a diminished appetite, all of which affected her quality of life. As her treatment progressed and medications changed, so too did the symptoms she experienced and nutritional needs.
Dietitian Assessment and Intervention
A comprehensive nutrition assessment was conducted at each consultation to understand Veronica’s evolving needs throughout treatment.
On initial presentation Veronica struggled with a lack of appetite, taste changes including metallic taste and bland flavours, and persistent nausea. Mealtimes were burdensome, and even her favourite meals, lovingly prepared by family, were difficult to tolerate.
These symptoms led to limited nutrition and rapid muscle loss. Although Veronica had previously wanted to lose weight, the rapid, unintentional loss and associated decline in strength and energy became a major concern.
Initial nutrition support focused on practical strategies to:
- Manage taste alterations and enhance oral care
- Reduce nausea and manage mealtimes around nausea episodes
- Stimulate appetite and improve energy levels
- Prevent further weight loss and loss of muscle condition
Through tailored nutrition strategies and regular dietitian sessions, Veronica gradually regained her ability to enjoy food. Her nutrition-impact symptoms and energy levels improved, weight stabilised, and mealtimes became more manageable.
As her oncology treatment evolved, Veronica’s symptoms shifted again, this time toward a ravenous appetite and emotional eating. Ongoing dietetic support ensured her nutritional intake remained balanced and responsive to her changing needs.
Outcomes and Follow-up:
With ongoing dietitian support, Veronica experienced:
- Stabilisation of weight and improved energy levels
- Greater tolerance to chemotherapy and reduced symptom burden
- Renewed confidence in managing her nutrition while nourishing her body with care and intention