Despite the growing number of cancer treatments and improved outcomes with cancer diagnoses, Kentucky continues to have the highest occurrences and death rates in the United States. For those going through treatment or those working with a loved one experiencing cancer, food, and nutrition can be a challenge. 

In order to help those in need, the Letcher County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences Agent hosted the Kick Kentucky Cancer: Managing Nutrition during Cancer program for the Letcher County Extension Homemakers.  The FCS Agent emphasized the benefits of all food groups in a balanced diet as well as strategies to maintain nutrition during symptoms and side effects of treatment. Forty-three Extension Homemakers from the Quicksand Area participated in the workshop.

Of those surveyed, ninety-five percent indicated they better understood how each food group contributes to a balanced diet during cancer treatment, and 100 percent stated they better understood how to manage symptoms associated with eating and nutrition during treatment. Ninety-five percent indicated they better understood the importance of food safety when preparing food for themselves or a loved one with cancer. Further, ninety-five percent expressed an increased understanding of the importance of asking questions to their health-care providers.

 Participants shared...

“Very interesting and glad I came. Very informational”

“Thanks, great information for everyone”

“Great program”

“Great program, well informed”

“Very good information- for any type of illness you are recovering from- presented well”

“Very informative”