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Proper nutrition is important for maintaining a good quality of life, especially after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Eating healthy foods can help a patient recover from surgery and minimize the side effects of treatment.
Yet it can be challenging to manage shifting needs: Patients may experience a range of issues like loss of appetite, sensitivity to smells or certain foods or gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea. And sometimes, needs and sensitivities can change quickly.
We want every patient with pancreatic cancer and their caregiving team to consider PanCAN Patient Services a partner in navigating diet and nutrition. When you call or email us, you are connected to a Case Manager who is your point of contact anytime you have a question or concern. This means they understand the challenges you’ve faced over time and can answer your questions as they come up.
It’s all part of our commitment to the Right Track, the three key steps to get to the best possible outcome for every person with pancreatic cancer: the right team, the right tests and the right treatment. Here are three ways Patients Services can help you get on the Right Track when it comes to nutrition:
1. Finding a registered dietitian
A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who can help manage the side effects of treatment that affect a patient’s ability to eat well. A dietitian can help develop meal plans, answer questions about the role of diet in cancer care and address common challenges like pancreatic enzyme use. Since each patient is different, a dietitian can work with patients to meet their individual dietary needs.
The PanCAN Patient Services team is ready to help find a dietitian in your area. We can also talk through how to prepare for appointments, including suggestions for questions to ask and materials to bring. PanCAN recommends that all patients have a dietitian on their care team – and we are ready to help support you as you work with this person over time.
2. Exploring recipes and meal planning
Poor appetite is a common nutritional challenge for patients with pancreatic cancer. Sometimes surgery, prescription drugs or the cancer itself can decrease the patient’s appetite or change the way food tastes.
All of this means that caregivers often take on additional responsibility when it comes to meal planning – and this can be stressful. The PanCAN Patient Services team can help address concerns and find resources.
Case Managers can talk through common concerns and offer resources and tips, including options for easy-to-digest foods, diabetic-friendly foods, recommendations for nutritional supplements and more. We can also provide information about recipes and cookbooks recommended by dietitians who work specifically with patients with pancreatic cancer.
3. Support for Pancreatic Enzyme Use
Having an insufficient amount of pancreatic enzymes or a blockage preventing the enzymes from mixing with food is a very common problem for pancreatic cancer patients. Called pancreatic insufficiency, it occurs in up to 94% of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. Pancreatic insufficiency can cause a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive gas and bloating.
Pancreatic enzymes may be prescribed to patients with pancreatic insufficiency. These products help improve digestion and absorption of food. Insurance coverage, including Medicare, may vary for pancreatic enzymes and the approval process can be challenging to navigate. A Case Manager can discuss ways to access and help pay for these medications.
The Patient Services team can also provide tips for communicating with your dietitian and healthcare team about enzyme use, as sometimes patients need to adjust dosage over time.
