International Lymphoma Awareness Day - 15 September

Monday the 15 September is International Lymphoma Awareness Day.

In 2004, World Lymphoma Awareness Day was started to spread awareness about lymphoma which is a common form of cancer and is held on 15 September each year since its inception. Lymphoma is a life threatening disease and the number of people diagnosed with lymphoma is increasing every day. World Lymphoma Awareness Day is a step towards raising general public awareness about the symptoms and treatment associated with lymphoma. The aim is to help early diagnosis of lymphoma which will lead to early and more importantly timely treatment.

Nutrition During Treatment

Throughout the phases of cancer treatment and recovery, it's important to adapt eating habits to cope with the body’s changing nutritional needs. Here's a summary of the key nutritional needs in each phase.

Phase 1: Cancer treatment

• More energy may be needed (kilojoules/calories). It is preferable to eat      small, frequent meals or snacks, rather than three large meals a day.
• Consumption of extra nutritious snack or drinks is recommended if there this weight      loss
• If possible, some light physical activity, such as walking is recommended to improve appetite, reduce fatigue, help digestion and prevent constipation.
• Patients are encouraged to check with their treating physician if they wish to take      vitamins or herbal supplements.

Phase 2: Recovering from treatment

• Phase 1 should be continued for weeks or even a month or two following treatment.  Nutritional needs remain high following treatment, and will differ depending on the cancer type and the treatment received. A health professional can advise on individual needs during this time.
• It's important to maintain a minimum weight during this time to ensure recovery from treatment is as quick as possible.
• It's important to eat a variety of foods and to do some physical activity, as able, in order to rebuild muscles and recover from the side effects of treatment.
• The treating physician should be able to advise an appropriate approach if any treatment related side effects are experienced.

Phase 3: Preventing cancer recurrence and new cancers

• Upon recovery from treatment side effects and if eating well and physically active, patients can switch the focus of nutrition to healthy eating.
• Healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can help to lower the chance of cancer returning.
• Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables may lower the risk of developing some cancers. Two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day are recommended if possible.
• A regular visit to the treating physician is recommended.
• Contact Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 for free information about eating well and being active after treatment.

Additionally, see the modules below on how Proform and Sustagen Kid Essentials can support the nutritional requirements during illness.

Sources: www.imgateway.net; http://www.altiusdirectory.com/Society/world-days-list.php; http://www.cancervic.org.au, Wednesday 10 September 2014