Nutrition and Cancer Rehabilitation
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapy course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Nutrition and Cancer Rehabilitation Glossary #
Nutrition and Cancer Rehabilitation Glossary
A #
A
Acidosis #
A condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body fluids, which can be a result of cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Adipose tissue #
Body fat tissue that stores energy in the form of fat, which can be affected by changes in nutrition during cancer rehabilitation.
Amino acids #
The building blocks of protein that are essential for tissue growth and repair, which play a crucial role in muscle recovery during cancer rehabilitation.
B #
B
Body mass index (BMI) #
A measurement that uses height and weight to estimate body fat and assess weight status, which is important for monitoring changes in body composition during cancer rehabilitation.
C #
C
Caloric intake #
The amount of energy provided by food and beverages, which needs to be optimized to support recovery and rehabilitation in cancer patients.
Carbohydrates #
A macronutrient that provides energy to the body, which should be consumed in appropriate amounts to support physical activity during cancer rehabilitation.
Carcinogen #
A substance or agent that can cause cancer, which may influence dietary choices during cancer rehabilitation.
Chemotherapy #
A cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, which can affect appetite and nutrient absorption in cancer patients.
Chronic inflammation #
A prolonged immune response that can contribute to cancer progression and impact nutritional status during cancer rehabilitation.
Comorbidity #
The presence of one or more additional diseases or disorders in a patient, which can complicate nutritional management during cancer rehabilitation.
D #
D
Dietary supplements #
Products that contain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, or amino acids, which may be used to support nutritional needs during cancer rehabilitation.
E #
E
Energy balance #
The relationship between caloric intake and energy expenditure, which is important for maintaining weight and supporting physical activity during cancer rehabilitation.
Endocrine system #
A collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate metabolism, growth, and development, which may be affected by cancer treatment and impact nutritional requirements.
Enteral nutrition #
A method of feeding that delivers nutrients directly into the gastrointestinal tract, which may be used in cancer patients who have difficulty eating or swallowing.
Essential fatty acids #
Polyunsaturated fats that the body needs but cannot produce on its own, which play a role in inflammation and immune function during cancer rehabilitation.
Exercise oncology #
The study of exercise interventions for cancer patients to improve physical function and quality of life, which is an important component of cancer rehabilitation.
F #
F
Fiber #
A type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest, which is important for digestive health and may help manage side effects of cancer treatment.
Functional foods #
Foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, which may be used to support immune function and reduce inflammation in cancer patients.
I #
I
Immune system #
The body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases, which can be compromised by cancer treatment and may require nutritional support during rehabilitation.
Intravenous nutrition #
A method of feeding that delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which may be used in cancer patients who cannot tolerate oral or enteral feeding.
L #
L
Lean body mass #
The weight of the body minus fat mass, which is important for assessing muscle mass and nutritional status during cancer rehabilitation.
M #
M
Malnutrition #
A condition resulting from a deficiency or excess of nutrients, which can affect cancer patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Metabolism #
The process by which the body converts food into energy, which may be altered by cancer treatment and impact nutritional requirements.
Micronutrients #
Essential vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small amounts, which are important for overall health and may be depleted during cancer treatment.
Monounsaturated fats #
Healthy fats found in plant-based oils, nuts, and seeds, which can help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health during cancer rehabilitation.
Muscle wasting #
The loss of muscle mass and strength, which can occur in cancer patients undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
N #
N
Neutropenia #
A condition characterized by a low white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infection and impact nutritional status in cancer patients.
O #
O
Omega #
3 fatty acids:
Oncology #
The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, which is important for understanding the nutritional needs of cancer patients undergoing rehabilitation.
Oxidative stress #
An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can contribute to inflammation and cell damage in cancer patients.
P #
P
Parenteral nutrition #
A method of feeding that delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which may be used in cancer patients who cannot tolerate oral or enteral feeding.
Phytochemicals #
Compounds found in plant-based foods that have potential health benefits, which may help reduce inflammation and support immune function in cancer patients.
Probiotics #
Live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for digestive health, which may help manage side effects of cancer treatment in rehabilitation patients.
Protein #
A macronutrient that is essential for building and repairing tissues, which is important for muscle recovery and immune function during cancer rehabilitation.
R #
R
Radiotherapy #
A cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, which can cause side effects that impact nutritional status and require dietary modifications.
Resistant starch #
A type of carbohydrate that resists digestion in the small intestine, which can promote gut health and may help manage side effects of cancer treatment.
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) #
The number of calories the body needs at rest to maintain basic physiological functions, which is important for determining energy requirements during cancer rehabilitation.
S #
S
Sarcopenia #
The loss of muscle mass and strength that occurs with aging, which may be accelerated in cancer patients undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Selenium #
A trace mineral with antioxidant properties that may help protect cells from damage, which is important for immune function and overall health in cancer patients.
Soluble fiber #
A type of fiber that dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol.
Supplemental feeding #
The provision of additional nutrients through oral, enteral, or parenteral routes, which may be necessary to meet the nutritional needs of cancer patients during rehabilitation.
T #
T
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) #
A method of feeding that delivers a complete mix of nutrients directly into the bloodstream, which is used in cancer patients who cannot tolerate oral or enteral feeding.
Trace minerals #
Essential minerals that the body needs in small amounts, which play a role in various physiological functions and may be depleted during cancer treatment.
Trans fats #
Unhealthy fats that are created through the process of hydrogenation, which can increase inflammation and the risk of heart disease in cancer patients.
U #
U
Unsaturated fats #
Healthy fats found in plant-based oils, nuts, and seeds, which can help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health during cancer rehabilitation.
V #
V
Vitamin D #
A fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in calcium absorption and bone health, which may be deficient in cancer patients undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Vitamin E #
A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that may help protect cells from damage, which is important for immune function and overall health in cancer patients.
Vitamin K #
A fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for blood clotting and bone health, which may be affected by cancer treatment and require supplementation.
W #
W
Whole grains #
Grains that contain the entire grain kernel, which provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are important for overall health and may help manage side effects of cancer treatment.