Does being overweight or obese increase one's risk for cancer? ...

[mrsjacobs44]

Does being overweight or obese increase one's risk for cancer?

Question 2

What nutrition-related side effects are anticipated if someone's cancer is treated with chemotherapy? How can these be addressed?

[hugthug12]

Answer to Question 1

Being overweight or obese increases the risk for several types of cancer including those of the esophagus, pancreas, colon, breast (postmenopausal), uterus, and kidney. There is also some evidence that greater body fat contributes to liver and gallbladder cancers.

Answer to Question 2

The goal is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. This goal is often met by consuming small meals and sufficient fluids throughout the day. Suggestions include:
 eating 6 smaller meals instead of 3 larger meals.
 eating dry toast or crackers before getting out of bed in the morning.
 avoiding food prior to a treatment.
 sipping liquids throughout the day using a straw, and using plastic rather than metal utensils because metal utensils often leave a bad taste in the mouth of cancer patients.
 avoiding dairy products if digesting lactose is problematic.
 consuming foods and liquids containing sodium and potassium such as potatoes, bananas, apricot nectar, and bouillon or broth if diarrhea or vomiting is present.