Nutrition: Chapter 20 - Cancer & HIV/AIDS

What is cancer?

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Why is nutrition important in cancer care?

Cancer and its treatments increase nutrient needs, impair intake and absorption, and increase the risk of malnutrition.

What is cancer cachexia?

A complex metabolic syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and inflammation.

Why is cachexia difficult to reverse?

Because it involves metabolic alterations that persist despite increased calorie intake.

What are common causes of poor intake in cancer patients?

Nausea, vomiting, pain, fatigue, taste changes, depression, and early satiety.

How does cancer alter metabolism?

It increases energy expenditure, promotes protein breakdown, and alters carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Why are protein needs elevated in cancer patients?

To support immune function, tissue repair, and prevent muscle wasting.

How can surgery affect nutritional status in cancer patients?

It increases metabolic stress and may impair nutrient absorption depending on surgical site.

What nutrition-related side effects are associated with chemotherapy?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, taste changes, fatigue, and food aversions.

How does radiation therapy affect nutrition?

It damages surrounding tissues, causing difficulty eating, swallowing, and absorbing nutrients.

What are primary nutrition goals in cancer care?

Maintain body weight and lean mass, manage symptoms, support immune function, and improve quality of life.

Why are nutrient-dense foods important for cancer patients?

Because intake is often limited, so foods must provide maximum nutrition in small volumes.

When is enteral nutrition used in cancer patients?

When oral intake is inadequate but the GI tract is functional.

When is parenteral nutrition indicated in cancer care?

When the GI tract is nonfunctional and enteral feeding is not possible.

What dietary patterns are associated with reduced cancer risk?

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based foods.

Why is maintaining a healthy body weight important for cancer prevention?

Obesity increases inflammation and hormone levels associated with cancer risk.

What is HIV?

A virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells.

What is AIDS?

The advanced stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune suppression and opportunistic infections.

How does HIV affect nutritional status?

Increases energy needs, causes malabsorption, and leads to weight loss and muscle wasting.

What is AIDS-related wasting syndrome?

Unintentional weight loss greater than 10% accompanied by chronic diarrhea, weakness, or fever.

What are the main nutrition goals for individuals with HIV/AIDS?

Preserve lean body mass, support immune function, prevent malnutrition, and manage symptoms.

Why are energy needs increased in HIV?

Due to chronic infection, inflammation, and increased metabolic rate.

Why is adequate protein important in HIV/AIDS?

To maintain muscle mass and immune function.

Why are vitamin and mineral deficiencies common in HIV?

Poor intake, malabsorption, and increased nutrient requirements.

How does supplementation support HIV patients?

Helps correct deficiencies and support immune health.

How does ART affect nutritional status?

It improves survival but may cause metabolic changes, including dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

Why is nutrition counseling important for patients on ART?

To manage side effects and reduce chronic disease risk.

What GI symptoms commonly affect HIV patients?

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and malabsorption.

How can nutrition help manage HIV-related diarrhea?

Adequate hydration, nutrient-dense foods, and dietary adjustments.

Why are HIV patients more susceptible to infections?

Because HIV destroys immune cells critical for fighting pathogens.

How does nutrition support immune function in HIV?

Provides energy and nutrients needed for immune cell production and function.

What body composition changes can occur with HIV and ART?

Fat redistribution, muscle wasting, and metabolic syndrome.

Why is food safety especially important for HIV patients?

Compromised immunity increases risk of foodborne illness.

Why is weight monitoring important in HIV/AIDS?

Rapid weight loss or gain signals disease progression or treatment side effects.

How do psychosocial factors affect nutrition in cancer and HIV?

Depression, stigma, and fatigue reduce appetite and intake.

Why is nutrition important for quality of life in chronic illness?

Supports energy, reduces symptoms, and improves functional ability.

What is the focus of nutrition at end of life?

Comfort, symptom management, and respecting patient wishes.

Why is nutrition education important for cancer and HIV patients?

Empowers patients to manage symptoms and maintain health.

What are the overall nutrition goals in cancer and HIV/AIDS?

Prevent malnutrition, support immune function, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Why must nutrition therapy be individualized in cancer and HIV?

Disease stage, treatments, symptoms, and patient tolerance vary widely.