Head and Neck Cancers The comprehensive care of survivors with upper aerodigestive-tract cancer includes ap-propriate nutritional assessment/support and physical activity/therapy to improve overall health before, during, and after treatment. Survivors receiving adequate nutrition maintain body weight and complete treatment with fewer complications.179 After treatment for cancers of the head and neck, poor nutrient intake can result from difficulties in biting, chewing, and swallowing, as well as from xerostomia as a complication of radiation therapy. Inadequate protein and calorie intake can result. During and following treatment, the texture, temperature, consistency, nutrient content, and frequency of oral feedings may need to be changed. Since those who wear dentures may be unable to wear them during and following treatment and may need new dentures to improve oral function, liquid, pureed, or juiced foods may be better tolerated during treatment and recovery. Health care providers may offer alternate forms of feeding if eating and drinking by mouth cannot support nutritional needs.180-186 Individuals with oral leukoplakia, a pre-malignant lesion for oral cancer, benefit from beta carotene supplementation,111 but the risks of beta carotene in higher doses than the Daily Recommended Intakes and tolerable upper intake limits in supplement form seem to outweigh its possible benefits.106,107 Therefore, survivors are encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables that are orange and deep green in color, as they are good sources of naturally occurring beta carotene. Difficulty swallowing is frequently a presenting symptom of esophageal cancer. Individuals first struggle with solid foods, then progress to difficulty eating soft foods and eventually liquids. As an adjunct to palliative surgical and medical interventions, sitting upright, eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and consuming small, frequent meals can be helpful. Another common problem in survivors with esophageal cancer is reflux while eating or just afterward. It is believed that the mechanisms responsible for these symptoms of gas, heartburn, and regurgitation are the direct irritation by food and a weakening of the anti-reflux barrier by reduction of esophageal sphincter pressure.182 Using a high-protein, low-fat, high-carbohydrate regimen helps decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure, whereas chocolate, fat, alcohol, coffee, and compounds containing carminatives (e.g., oil of spearmint, peppermint, garlic, and onion) may increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and should be avoided.182 Acidic foods such as tomato-based products and orange juice may cause irritation. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.