International Childhood Cancer Day
Nutrition for Young Fighters
Every year on February 15th, International Childhood Cancer Day highlights the problems that children with cancer and their families confront. This worldwide commemoration acts as a rallying cry to raise awareness, promote early detection, and push for increased access to treatment and support services for pediatric cancer patients. Children fighting cancer display incredible resilience, fortitude, and strength in the face of adversity, encouraging communities all around the world to band together in support.
Defining International Childhood Cancer Day:
International Childhood Cancer Day, established by the International Childhood Cancer Foundation (ICCF) and Childhood Cancer International (CCI), aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its impact on families, healthcare systems, and society at large. The theme for this year's observance underscores the importance of nutrition in supporting young cancer fighters as they undergo treatment and strive for recovery.
Types of Cancers Affecting Children:
Childhood cancer encompasses a diverse range of malignancies that can affect children from infancy through adolescence. Some of the most common types of cancers diagnosed in children include:
Leukemia: The most prevalent type of childhood cancer, leukemia affects the blood and bone marrow, impairing the body's ability to produce healthy blood cells.
Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors: These tumors arise in the brain or spinal cord and can affect cognitive function, motor skills, and sensory perception.
Neuroblastoma: A type of cancer that develops in immature nerve cells, often originating in the adrenal glands or nerve tissue along the spine.
Wilms Tumor: A kidney cancer that primarily affects young children, typically diagnosed around the age of 3 to 4 years old.
Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, impacting the body's immune response.
Treatment and Post-Treatment Care:
Treatment for childhood cancer typically involves a combination of therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. While these treatments aim to eradicate cancer cells and promote remission, they can also take a toll on the child's physical health, appetite, and nutritional status.
Post-treatment care is essential for supporting children as they transition into survivorship. This phase may involve ongoing monitoring, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and interventions to address long-term side effects of cancer treatment, such as impaired growth and development, hormonal imbalances, and organ dysfunction.
Impact of Treatment on Nutritional Intake :
Children undergoing cancer treatment often experience a range of side effects that can impact their nutritional intake and overall health. These side effects may include:
Loss of Appetite: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nausea, vomiting, and changes in taste perception, leading to a decreased appetite and difficulty eating.
Weight Loss and Malnutrition: Persistent nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite can result in weight loss and malnutrition, compromising the child's strength, energy levels, and ability to tolerate treatment.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Cancer treatments may interfere with the body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, leading to deficiencies in essential vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Weakened Immune System: Malnutrition and inadequate nutrient intake can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections and delaying healing and recovery
Given these challenges, it's crucial to provide pediatric cancer patients with a nutrient-rich diet tailored to their individual needs and treatment regimen. Here are some foods that can support children battling cancer:
Protein-rich Foods: Lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), Eggs, Milk & Milk products, Tofu, Tempeh, Lentils and beans.
Protein is essential for supporting muscle strength, tissue repair, and immune function. Including protein-rich foods in the child's diet can help prevent muscle wasting and promote healing during cancer treatment.
Nutrient-dense Fruits and Vegetables: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), Leafy greens (spinach, Palak, Agathi Leaves), Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts), Sweet potatoes and carrots
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting immune function and overall health. Encourage children to consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure a diverse range of nutrients.
Whole Grains: Brown rice, Whole wheat, Barley, Ragi, Bajra, Jowar, Thinai, Varagu, Samai.
Whole grains provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, providing sustained energy and supporting digestive health. Opt for whole grain options to maximize nutritional benefits.
Healthy Fats: Avocado, Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds), Sesame Oil, Coconut Oil, Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Healthy fats are crucial for brain health, hormone production, and inflammation regulation. Incorporating sources of healthy fats into the child's diet can support overall well-being and promote nutrient absorption.
Hydration: Water, Herbal teas, Broth-based soups, Fruit-infused water
Staying hydrated is essential for children undergoing cancer treatment, especially if they experience nausea or vomiting. Encourage frequent sips of water and offer hydrating foods such as fruits and soups to maintain adequate fluid intake.
The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Children Battling Cancer:
Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting children throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. Adequate nutrition is vital for:
Optimizing Treatment Outcomes: Proper nutrition supports the body's ability to tolerate and respond to cancer treatments, minimizing the risk of treatment-related complications and promoting healing and recovery.
Maintaining Strength and Energy Levels: Cancer treatments can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, which can impact a child's nutritional intake and energy levels. Nutrient-dense foods and supplements can help replenish energy stores and support overall well-being.
Promoting Immune Function: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein supports immune function, helping to defend the body against infections and facilitate healing.
Managing Side Effects: Certain foods and dietary strategies can help alleviate treatment-related side effects, such as nausea, mouth sores, and taste changes. For example, consuming small, frequent meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding spicy or acidic foods can ease gastrointestinal discomfort.
Supporting Growth and Development: Childhood cancer and its treatments can impact growth, development, and nutritional status. Nutritional interventions tailored to the child's age, nutritional needs, and treatment regimen can help support healthy growth and development during and after cancer treatment.
Finally, International Childhood Cancer Day serves as a reminder of the tenacity and strength demonstrated by young cancer patients and their families. We can help children's treatment journeys and quality of life by focusing on nutrition and providing them with a well-balanced meal rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Let us stand in solidarity with pediatric cancer patients, providing them with the nutrition, care, and support they require to overcome this difficult chapter in their life.
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