Dietary Tips

An important aspect of supporting cancer Survivors (patients) includes providing them with dietary guidelines and advice before, during and after treatment.

We recognise that it’s particularly unsettling for cancer Survivors (patients) undergoing treatment, that side effects of treatment or the disease itself can lead to eating and drinking being unpleasant. Aside from the challenge of maintaining adequate nutritional intake, there are also psycho-social knock-on effects. For example, Survivors, depending on which side effects they are experiencing, may prefer not to eat with others, or be fearful of eating, because of a side effect they may experience.

Cancer treatment kills off cancer cells, but unfortunately, healthy cells may be damaged in the process resulting in various side effects, that may differ from one person to another. Side effects of treatment (such as a sore mouth or throat, dry mouth, dental or gum deterioration, change in taste or smell of food, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation) can lead to avoidance of meals or difficulty in taking in enough food and fluids. This in turn may lead to malnutrition and negatively affect the patient’s health further.

It’s important for Survivors undergoing treatment to consume a variety of foods in order for their bodies to take in sufficient nutrients to fight cancer. Good nutrition leads to increased strength and energy, lowers risk for infection and helps patients maintain an appropriate weight. An added complication is that cancer treatment may affect the manner in which the body tolerates food and makes use of nutrients, which may also vary during and after treatment. For this reason we recommend that if possible, Survivors consult with a registered dietician if they are experiencing problems related to diet.

CANSA gives some top tips for dealing with common side effects related to nutrition (see posts below) and view infographics, as well as nutritious, affordable recipes for patients undergoing treatment.

Further dietary tips about coping with constipation, nausea, diarrhoea and loss of appetite are available from Sr Vlooi Venter vventer@cansa.org.za, however, CANSA also recommends that Survivors speak to a healthcare professional for individualised advice.

Nutrition:

• Nutrition and Related Tips for People Living with Cancer
• Nutrition for Adults Undergoing Cancer Treatment
• Nutrition for Children Diagnosed with Cancer

Per Cancer Type:

• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Kidney Cancer
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Liver Cancer
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer
• Nutrition for Individuals Diagnosed with Stomach Cancer

Other:

• Nutrition for Individuals Living with a Colostomy
• Nutrition for Individuals Living with an Ileostomy
• Nutrition for Individuals Living with a Urostomy