When you think of cancer care, do feeding tubes come to mind? They most likely do not, but they are essential for many patients who are undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers, which includes the mouth, throat, and voice box. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients often need them as well, since their cancers are in the stomach, pancreas, liver, colon, and esophagus.
Nutrition plays a large role when it comes to the battle with cancer. Much like other diseases and illnesses, you need to care for your body from the inside out. This means getting proper nutrients so you can be fueled throughout the day, especially if you have a chemotherapy or radiation appointment, or if you are recovering from surgery.
Formula and feeding tube assistance can sometimes be the only way patients can get these important nutrients due to the area of the cancer and the general side effects of treatment, like vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and nausea.
“It helps prevent malnutrition and weight loss and gives the patients the energy they need to get through their treatments,” says Amanda Reiter about feeding tube formula.
Reiter is an Outpatient Oncology Dietitian here at the Georgia Cancer Center. She guides patients through the diet and nutrition portion of their cancer treatment, so she knows how vital it is to be properly nourished.
However, this formula and equipment can be costly when not covered by insurance and not something you can just run to the store and get. Driven by the desire to make this service accessible for her patients, she submitted her program proposal titled Nutrition Support Funding for Patients requiring Feeding Assistance, to receive funding from Unite in the Fight Against Cancer, 2023.
Unite in the Fight Against Cancer is a mile walk that celebrates and honors all who have been affected by this disease, while raising funds for patient centered programs.
“This funding is essential for patients whose insurance does not cover this.”
Reiter’s program received funding from Unite 2023, along with six other programs, all with a focus on patient health and comfort. With the funding, patients in need will have their feeding assistance supplied 100% for up to 90 days, which will cover a majority of their treatment.
If you would like to learn more about this program, follow us on Facebook to be kept up to date on it and the other programs funded by Unite in the Fight Against Cancer. Unite in the Fight Against Cancer will be held on May 4th 2024. You can find more information by visiting our website and Facebook event page. We encourage all to join us in the fight against cancer.
