ABSTRACT
Nutrition and cancer have a number of intersections. Increased fat intake has also been associated with the development of breast cancer, and in experimental animals as well as epidemiologically, there is evidence that the absence of certain trace elements and vitamins may correlate with the occurrence of various cancers. Significant nutritional problems may also arise as the result of the specific mode of treatment given to control the cancer. Most cancer treatment regimens compromise the number and function of normal bone marrow cells. The tolerance of normal marrow, as well as other normal tissues, determines the intensity of chemotherapy that may be employed in each patient. Nutritional intervention during cancer treatment might improve the tolerance of bone marrow cells and other normal tissues to cancer treatment, and therefore permit a higher peak dose and/or cumulative dose. Total Parenteral Nutrition is widely used in situations in which nutritional support is not possible by the enteral route.
