ONCOLOGY :: About Cancer Nutritional Requirements for a Child
With Cancer The importance of good nutrition: Good nutrition is
very important for children being treated for cancer. Children
with cancer often have poor appetites due to one, or more, of
the following: Poor nutrition contributes to poor growth. If a
child with cancer maintains adequate nutrition, then he/she may
be more likely to: Special diets for children with cancer:
Children with cancer often have increased calorie and protein
needs. Protein is needed for growth and to help the body repair
itself. Getting enough calories can help the body grow, heal,
and prevent weight loss. If your child is having trouble eating
enough calories and protein, your child's physician or dietitian
may suggest serving high-calorie and high-protein foods (i.e.,
eggs, milk, peanut butter, and cheese). Sometimes, even when
high-calorie and high-protein foods are offered, children with
cancer have trouble eating enough. Tube feedings may be
necessary to help provide y