How to choose diet during radiotherapy for rectal cancer

The onset of rectal cancer begins with abnormal bowel movements, which brings a lot of inconvenience to the patient's normal work and life, greatly reduces the patient's quality of life, and makes the patient miserable. Radiotherapy is a commonly used method in the treatment of rectal cancer, which can effectively help patients relieve pain, but it can also cause discomfort in patients' lives. Therefore, diet is very important for the patient's recovery. So what should rectal cancer patients pay attention to in their diet during radiotherapy?

1. Patients should pay special attention to their diet and eat more nutritious, soft, moist and easy-to-swallow foods, such as sugarcane juice and milk. At the same time, eating kiwi fruit, asparagus, longan, etc. can help reduce side effects. Goose blood, black fungus, quail, coix seed, mud snail, mung bean, day lily, apple, loofah, turtle, and soft-shelled turtle are also helpful for the patient's physical recovery.

2. Guide patients to eat high-calorie, high-protein, vitamin-rich, non-irritating foods to enhance nutrition, strengthen physical fitness, and ensure smooth radiotherapy.

3. During radiotherapy, symptoms of cystitis such as frequent urination, urgency, and pain may occur. You should inform your doctor in time. Drinking more water will help improve cystitis.

4. Keep the skin in the irradiated area clean and dry. Do not use any irritating soap or medicine, hot water bottles, electric blankets, ice bags, adhesive tape, etc. Do not scrub, scratch or shave vigorously. Protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and wind and rain. Keep warm in winter. It is recommended to wear loose and soft cotton clothes. If the skin in the irradiated area is tender or itchy, or if there is exudation or scab, do not treat it by yourself and report it to the doctor in charge in time.

5. During radiotherapy, you should take good rest and get enough sleep. If you feel tired or weak, you should inform your doctor immediately. Adjust the room temperature and humidity in time, and maintain good light and ventilation.

In addition to diet, you should also pay attention to the physical reactions that occur during radiotherapy for rectal cancer. The most common radiotherapy reactions are skin reactions in the sacrum and perineum. The key points of care are: keep the local skin dry and clean, reduce skin irritation and friction, change and wash underwear frequently to keep it clean, and choose pure cotton clothes that are breathable, soft and non-irritating.