Cookbook helps head and neck cancer patients
Patients being treated for head and neck cancer now have access to a cookbook specifically designed to meet their needs and ease the impact of their treatment.
Not so porridge cookbook created by Kirsty Clutterbuck, specialist head and neck cancer dietitian at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has been created for people with head and neck cancer, preparing for and going through treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The book features a number of recipes to help patients with altered or complete loss of taste, painful swallowing and a loss of appetite.
Kirsty, who has been a Registered Dietician for 14 years, explains: “Not so porridge cookbook was created to inspire and spark people’s interest in food whilst helping them maintain weight and strength during a difficult and complex diagnosis. The recipes are high in protein and involve ingredients to sustain energy, which is important for people undergoing cancer treatment.”
The book has been designed with patient feedback at the heart of it, with recipes and ideas included from people receiving treatment.
Lisa Barrott, Divisional Director of Nursing and AHPS for Cancer at University Hospitals Sussex adds: “Being diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment is such a challenging time for anyone; any assistance to help ensure adequate nutritional intake and that symptoms related to the treatment are managed properly is key in providing the best care possible.”
The proceeds from the book support cancer patients in Sussex, giving them access to vital resources and care.