New Brochure on Food and Drink for People with Cancer

Nutrition plays an important supportive role during cancer treatment—especially if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or a loss of appetite. These symptoms can make eating and drinking more difficult, even though your body actually needs extra nutrients to support your treatment, boost your immune system, and help your body recover.

Various Symptoms, a Personalized Approach

For many people, cancer or its treatment leads to unintentional weight loss. This may be because you’re eating less, experiencing changes in taste, absorbing nutrients less effectively, or because your body needs more energy. Unintentional weight loss can reduce muscle mass, lower your fitness level, and slow down recovery. Small, frequent meals, energy-rich foods with an emphasis on adequate protein intake, and finding a balance that suits your individual symptoms and needs can help prevent unwanted weight loss.

On the other hand, you may also gain weight unintentionally, for example due to fluid retention, hormonal treatments, reduced physical activity, or emotional eating. This, too, can affect your well-being and how you feel. However, it is not advisable to change your diet on your own, start strict diets, or avoid certain foods without professional guidance.

Proper guidance from a specialized dietitian can help you maintain or restore a healthy weight and improve your quality of life. In addition, the dietitian will help you tailor your diet to your specific symptoms and needs. So always discuss changes in weight and appetite with your doctor or dietitian.

Interested? Would you like to take a look at the brochure? Take a peek here.

You can request the new brochure from the on-call nurse at the hospital or day hospital.