Bone cancer is a malignancy that grows from the bone and is also known as Osteosarcoma. Often occurs in children approaching adolescence (above 10 years).

Nutritional needs in cancer patients must be met by consuming foods that contain complete and balanced nutrition consisting of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Feeding cancer patients is influenced by the patient's condition and acceptability.

The following are nutrients that need to be considered in cancer patients:

1. Calorie needs for a day

High calories are useful for giving your body enough energy to undergo bone cancer treatment. The energy needs of cancer patients are adjusted to individual needs, namely 30-35 kcal/kg BW/day.
Adequate daily calories can be met by consuming balanced nutrition, namely a diet containing carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals.

2. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate is a nutrient that acts as a source of energy, which is needed by cancer patients to maintain nutritional status and undergo a series of treatments. Recommended carbohydrate sources are complex carbohydrates such as: brown rice, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, whole wheat bread. Consumption of simple carbohydrates such as sugar and syrup is limited for cancer patients.

3. Protein

Foods that contain protein can help maintain muscle function and increase endurance as well as repair tissue damaged by cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment itself. This is important for osteosarcoma patients with eating disorders, to keep weight balanced and muscles functioning properly. High-protein foods recommended for cancer patients include lean meat, fish, skinless chicken, milk, eggs and yoghurt.

4. Fat

The recommended source of fat for cancer patients is unsaturated fat derived from : avocado, canola oil, olive oil because they contain omega 3 which can reduce inflammation.

5. Vegetable and Fruit

One of the good food recommendations for cancer patients is vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are natural sources of vitamins that function to maintain the immune system of cancer patients after going through a series of treatments. Some types of fruits and vegetables are also known to have high antioxidant content, so as to prevent the spread of cancer cells in the body cancer patients are advised to consume vegetables and fruits as much as 5 servings a day. Some types of vegetables and fruits that are recommended to be consumed by cancer patients are carrots, green vegetables, berries, apples, bananas, and oranges.

6. Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that play a role in maintaining the balance of microbiota in the digestive tract and help boost the body's immune system. Foods high in probiotics are good for people with cancer.

Material by: Instalasi Gizi RS Santo Borromeus