My family just found out my father has pancreatic cancer. I was doing research online regarding proper diet and nutritional needs and am finding conflicting information. What do you recommend we do to keep him as healthy as possible?
Academic Title: Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Board Certifications:
Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology
Patients with cancer whether or not they are undergoing therapy have increased metabolic needs and often require at least 2,000 calories per day. This may be difficult to achieve and counting calories may be necessary. Between meal nutritional supplements, such as Boost or Ensure, may help achieve these goals. Consultation with a nutritionist can also be helpful.
Patients with pancreatic cancer also suffer from an inadequate delivery of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas to the intestine. For this reason, meals are often not well digested. Providing prescription pancreatic enzymes may help to improve this deficit.Lastly, staying as active as possible will help to maintain weight by maintaining muscle mass.