In general, anticancer drugs affect rapidly growing cells, such as blood cells that fight infection, cells that line the digestive tract, and cells in hair follicles. As a result, individuals may have side effects such as lower resistance to infection, nausea, vomiting, or mouth sores. They may also have less energy and may lose their hair. Loss of appetite can be a problem for individuals receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Researchers are learning that individuals who eat well may be better able to tolerate the side effects of their treatment.
Nutrition is an important part of the treatment plan.
Eating well means getting enough calories to prevent weight loss and having enough protein in the diet to build and repair skin, hair, muscles, and organs. Many individuals find that eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day is easier than trying to have three large meals. Treatment for Hodgkin's disease can cause fertility problems. Women's menstrual periods may stop. Periods are more likely to return in younger women.