Answer:

During this period, you should limit consumption of grilled, fried, smoked, frozen, canned, and processed foods, as well as organ meats. These foods are high in animal fats, which can be difficult to digest and may slow down the absorption of nutrients. While undergoing cancer treatment, you should also reduce your intake of sugary foods, abstain from alcohol, and avoid smoking. If you have a dairy allergy, avoid milk and dairy products to reduce the risk of diarrhea and nausea.

A balanced and varied diet during and after treatment helps boost your immune system, prevent infections, reduce side effects, and promote faster recovery. If you are unable to eat or have severe digestive dysfunction, your doctor may recommend intravenous feeding to ensure you receive adequate nutrients for recovery.

Colon cancer patients experiencing persistent diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, or recovering from surgery should limit raw vegetables and insoluble fiber. This type of fiber can cause bloating, abdominal pain, or worsen digestive symptoms.

Doctor Nguyen Tien Si consults with a patient. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Nguyen Tien Si consults with a patient. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Food for colon cancer patients should be prepared simply, such as steaming or boiling, with moderate seasoning, and limited salt and strong spices. Vegetables should be cooked until soft, and porridges and soups are easy to digest. Yogurt is beneficial for the digestive system due to its probiotics, so patients should consume it regularly.

You should divide your meals into 6-8 smaller portions, balancing food groups such as lean meat, fish, eggs, vegetable oils, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruits. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration due to side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, such as diarrhea and vomiting. After colon cancer surgery, avoid foods that cause gas or are prone to bacterial contamination, such as beans, broccoli, pepper, spicy and hot foods, raw vegetables, and fermented foods.

In addition to a proper diet, you can engage in light exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling for 15-30 minutes daily and maintain a positive attitude.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Tien Si

Oncology Department

Tam Anh General Clinic, District 7