The key role of nutrition in cancer treatment
Through scientific nutritional support, we help Hong Kong cancer patients reduce side effects, maintain weight, and improve treatment tolerance.
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Cancer in Hong Kong — Current Status and Challenges
In Hong Kong, cancer has remained the leading cause of death for many consecutive years. According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there are over 36,000 new cancer diagnoses annually. Due to population aging and unhealthy lifestyles (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and high-fat diets), cancer incidence continues to rise. For patients, a cancer diagnosis is not only a medical challenge but a long-term battle of body, mind, and spirit. Beyond surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, patients frequently face malnutrition, weight loss, and weakened immunity, all of which directly affect continuity and effectiveness of treatment.
For patients, cancer treatment is not merely about drugs or procedures; it is a comprehensive confrontation with the body’s condition. How to use nutritional support to maintain weight, reduce side effects, and improve quality of life has become a central concern for many patients and families.
Nutritional Challenges During Cancer Treatment
One of the most common issues during treatment is weight loss and malnutrition. Surgery increases nutritional demands for wound healing, while chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause nausea, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, and gastrointestinal discomfort, reducing food intake. A more severe condition is cancer cachexia, a cancer-related metabolic disorder that causes muscle wasting and rapid weight loss, and may worsen even when nutrient intake is adequate.
Clinical studies indicate that malnourished cancer patients are more likely to experience treatment interruption or delays, leading to poorer overall survival. Conversely, if patients maintain adequate nutrition during treatment, they not only reduce side effects but also increase completion rates and treatment efficacy.
Why Nutritional Support Is a Key Part of Cancer Care
From the patient’s perspective, cancer treatment is like a “one-shot exam.” Completing the regimen lowers the risk of recurrence; if treatment is interrupted due to poor nutrition, the disease becomes harder to control.
Nutritional support matters in three main ways:
- Maintain weight and muscle mass: Inadequate protein and calories lead to physical decline, making it difficult to tolerate intensive treatments.
- Strengthen immune function: Nutrients such as vitamins D and C, zinc, and selenium support immunity and reduce infection risk.
- Improve quality of life: Good nutritional intake can ease fatigue, improve appetite, and help patients maintain normal daily activities.
Inflammation and Treatment Side Effects
Many patients experience persistent inflammation during treatment. This can cause anorexia, weight loss, fatigue, systemic discomfort, and may increase drug toxicity. Inflammation also affects absorption and utilization of nutrients, pushing patients into a vicious cycle.
Scientific evidence suggests that intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from fish oil, can effectively reduce inflammation and improve nutritional status in cancer patients. Studies show that adequate EPA helps reduce muscle loss, improve tolerance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and may extend survival.
Common Supplement Myths: Patient Confusions
In Hong Kong, many patients and families seek “folk remedies” or “health products” for extra nutrition — such as essence of chicken, fish soup, reishi (lingzhi), protein powders, or herbal extracts. However, most of these products lack rigorous medical evidence, often have incomplete labeling, and cannot prove a positive impact on treatment; some may even interfere with medications.
For example, while essence of chicken and fish soup contain protein, the concentration is insufficient to meet treatment needs. Reishi and herbal products are often marketed for “immune boosting,” but large-scale clinical trials are lacking. For cancer patients, taking unproven supplements may be unhelpful or even delay appropriate, evidence-based nutritional support.
How to Choose Appropriate Medical Nutrition Products
Faced with a crowded market, patients and families often feel lost. From a scientific standpoint, consider the following:
- Protein content: During treatment, higher protein is needed for tissue repair and immune support. Standard balanced formulas are often inadequate; choose high-protein
- Adequate EPA: Aim for a daily intake equivalent to at least two fish-oil capsules’ worth of EPA to help reduce inflammation.
- Lower-fat design: Evidence suggests low-fat dietary patterns can reduce breast cancer recurrence risk; medical nutrition formulas should keep fat to ≤30% of total calories.
- Clinical evidence: Prefer products supported by peer-reviewed studies or industry-monitored clinical data to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Reflections from the Patient’s Perspective
Many Hong Kong patients say, “Cancer treatment really gives you only one chance.” This is not exaggeration. If the first course is interrupted due to side effects or malnutrition, subsequent treatment becomes more difficult.
Therefore, two priorities stand out:
- Maintain good diet and nutrition — adequate intake is essential to complete therapy.
- Prevent infection and inflammation — doing so reduces side effects and improves treatment success.
For patients, correct nutrition is not just ‘tonic’; it is an indispensable part of treatment.
Conclusion: Nutrition Is Part of the Treatment Itself
Successful cancer treatment relies not only on drugs and procedures but also on the patient’s lifestyle and nutritional cooperation. For Hong Kong cancer patients, nutrition should not be treated as an accessory, but as an integral component of the treatment strategy.
Choosing evidence-based medical nutrition products and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help patients complete treatment, improve quality of life, and move toward recovery with hope.
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References
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