Pancreatic cancer treatment may damage healthy cells and tissues, which may lead to side effects. Specific side effects will depend on the type and extent of the pancreatic cancer treatment. Side effects may not be the same for each person, and they may even change from one pancreatic cancer treatment session to the next. The healthcare provider should explain possible side effects and offer suggestions on how to manage them prior to beginning pancreatic cancer treatment.
Proper Nutrition and Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Patients need to eat well during pancreatic cancer treatment. Good nutrition can help people who are undergoing treatment feel better and have more energy. However, eating well can be difficult in such situations -- patients may not feel like eating if they are uncomfortable or tired. Patients should talk to their doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare provider who can suggest ways to maintain a healthy diet.
In the case of pancreatic cancer, checkups and follow-up care are important because certain types of treatment for the cancer may affect the digestion process. In such cases, doctors will need to check patients for weight loss, weakness, lack of energy, and other problems associated with malnutrition that may develop. (Click Pancreatic Cancer Nutrition for more information.)
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: Clinical Trials
Pancreatic cancer is often hard to control with current treatments. Therefore, doctors may encourage patients with pancreatic cancer to consider taking part in a clinical trial. These pancreatic cancer research trials are meant to improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with pancreatic cancer. When clinical trials show that a new pancreatic cancer treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print