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Malnutrition affects up to 40% of patients undergoing treatment. A worrying eating disorder that can worsen the prognosis, increase the toxicity of treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and reduce their effectiveness.
Dr Amandine Bruyas, medical oncologist at Hospices Civils de Lyon, guest on the set of the show Your Health this Tuesday, November 5, 2024highlights patients’ nutritional challenges and offers solutions to restore the pleasure of eating during difficult treatments. The Canut guide (for Cancer, Nutrition & Taste) is one of these devices.
Chemotherapy: what are its effects on diet?
What are the effects of chemotherapy on patients’ diet?
Typical effects include nausea and mucositis, which cause oral discomfort and difficulty eating. Additionally, sensory disturbances such as changes in taste and smell are common. Some patients experience alterations that impact their ability to enjoy meals.
Patients undergoing chemo say they do not perceive food in the same way. Is this normal?
Absolutely. There are three types of profiles: the normo-sensitive, who do not experience major changes; the hypo-sensitive, whose taste and smell are altered; and the hyper-sensitive, who react in an exacerbated manner to smells and tastes, sometimes leading to feelings of nausea. Symptoms may vary in intensity from patient to patient.
Is it true that in oncology, 10 to 20% of patients do not die from cancer, but from malnutrition?
That’s correct. Undernutrition increases the toxicity of treatments, reduces their effectiveness, and increases the risk of post-operative complications and mortality.
CanuT Guide: how to deal with malnutrition during treatment?
What does the guide suggest to regain the taste for eating?
The guide offers practical advice such as splitting meals, nutritional enrichment, and adapting recipes according to symptoms. For example, for a metallic taste, it is recommended to limit the consumption of red meat and certain green vegetables.
What is the objective of the CanuT food guide?
The goal is to help patients regain the pleasure of eating during their treatment. Nutrition plays a crucial role in oncology, both from a medical point of view and for the well-being of patients. Malnutrition can alter the prognosis, but overweight or obesity also has an impact. Food is therefore at the heart of care.
How did you come up with these adapted recipes?
We collaborated with chefs. Each recipe has a simple basic version, an enriched version for hypo-sensitive people, and a softened version for hyper-sensitive people, such as children. An enriched version is also offered for malnourished patients, in order to strengthen their energy intake.
Do you have a favorite recipe in the guide?
I enjoy pumpkin soup, which I adapt according to the season. I use potatoes for a milder version, and spices to enhance the flavors.
Watch the replay of the Vos Santé show from November 5, 2024 on Ma Santé TV.
NAMELY
The CANUT food guide (for Cancer, nutrition & taste), presented by Dr Amandine Bruyas, is free and available via health professionals, who can order it on the Regional Cancer Network website.
