Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI]-Treatment of Symptoms
Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI]-Treatment of Symptoms
Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI] Guide
See the Dehydration (Lack of Fluid) section for more information.
Low White Blood Cell Counts and Infections
A low white blood cell count may be caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or the cancer itself. Patients who have a low white blood cell count have an increased risk of infection. The following may help cancer patients prevent infections when white blood cell counts are low:
Dehydration (Lack of Fluid)
The body needs plenty of water to replace the fluids lost every day. Nausea, vomiting, and pain may keep the patient from drinking and eating enough to get the amount of water the body needs. Long-term diarrhea causes a loss of fluid from the body. One of the first signs of dehydration (lack of water in the body) is feeling very tired. The following may help cancer patients prevent dehydration:
Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI] - Treatment of Symptoms
Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI] Guide
- Overview of Nutrition in Cancer Care
- Nutrition Therapy in Cancer Care
- Types of Nutrition Care
- Effects of Cancer Treatment on Nutrition
- Treatment of Symptoms
- Nutrition in Advanced Cancer
- Food and Drug Interactions
- Nutrition and Lifestyle in Cancer Survivors
- Nutrition in Cancer Prevention
- To Learn More About Nutrition and Cancer Care
- Current Clinical Trials
- Changes to This Summary (06 / 24 / 2014)
- About This PDQ Summary
- Questions or Comments About This Summary
- Get More Information From NCI
See the Dehydration (Lack of Fluid) section for more information.
Low White Blood Cell Counts and Infections
A low white blood cell count may be caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or the cancer itself. Patients who have a low white blood cell count have an increased risk of infection. The following may help cancer patients prevent infections when white blood cell counts are low:
- Stay away from:
- Raw eggs or raw fish.
- Old, moldy, or damaged fruits and vegetables.
- Food sold in open bins or containers.
- Salad bars and buffets when eating out.
- Wash hands often to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Thaw foods in the refrigerator or microwave. Never thaw foods at room temperature. Cook foods immediately after thawing.
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Cook all meat, poultry, and fish until well done.
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and eat them within 24 hours.
- Buy foods packed as single servings, to avoid leftovers.
- Do not buy or eat food that is out of date.
- Do not buy or eat food in cans that are swollen, dented, or damaged.
Dehydration (Lack of Fluid)
The body needs plenty of water to replace the fluids lost every day. Nausea, vomiting, and pain may keep the patient from drinking and eating enough to get the amount of water the body needs. Long-term diarrhea causes a loss of fluid from the body. One of the first signs of dehydration (lack of water in the body) is feeling very tired. The following may help cancer patients prevent dehydration:
- Drink 8 to 12 cups of liquids a day. This can be water, juice, milk, or foods that have a lot of liquid in them, such as ice pops, flavored ices, and gelatins.
- Stay away from drinks that have caffeine in them, such as sodas, coffee, and tea (both hot and cold).
- Take a water bottle whenever leaving home. It is important to drink even if not thirsty.
- Drink most liquids between meals.
- Use medicines that help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting.