Cancer and its treatments can significantly impact a patient's nutritional status. Maintaining an adequate caloric intake is vital for several reasons:
Energy Levels: Cancer patients often experience fatigue, and calories provide the energy required to combat this. Weight Management: Unintended weight loss is common among cancer patients and can lead to severe complications. Adequate calorie intake helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Immune Function: Proper nutrition supports the immune system, which is crucial for fighting cancer and infections. Treatment Tolerance: Adequate calorie consumption can help patients tolerate treatments like chemotherapy and radiation better by maintaining strength and body mass.