Eating and nutrition

A cancer diagnosis can change your relationship with food, but you don’t have to figure out food and cancer alone. This page can help you learn about a nutritional diet for cancer patients and how to stay as healthy and as strong as possible during treatment and recovery.

Note: While you may see claims about ‘cancer-beating diets’, there’s no scientific evidence that specific foods can fight cancer. Instead, focus on nourishing your body with foods that help maintain strength and support your treatment.

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The importance of good nutrition

Your body needs good nutrition now more than ever, but that doesn’t mean you need to follow strict dietary rules. When considering food for cancer patients, focus on giving your body the nourishment it needs to help you feel stronger and cope better with treatment.

When you eat well, you may find you have:

  • More energy for the things you want to do
  • More strength to help you through treatment
  • A brighter mood and sense of wellbeing
  • A stronger immune system to help fight infections
  • More resilience to help manage side effects

Eating well during cancer

Your nutritional needs may change throughout your cancer experience. While there’s no single best food for cancer patients, the below information can help you understand what might work best at different stages of your treatment and recovery.

Making decisions about food

Every person’s experience with cancer is different, and what works for someone else may not work for you. While you might read about special diets or ‘cancer-beating foods’, the most important thing is finding what helps you maintain your strength. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you discover what works best.

During treatment

Treatment can change how you feel about food and what you’re able to eat. Instead of worrying about eating ‘perfectly’, focus on eating what you can manage when you can manage it. A nutritional diet for cancer patients during treatment often means being flexible.

Many people find it helpful to:

  • Eat smaller meals more often, rather than trying to face large portions
  • Keep favourite snacks close by for when you feel hungry
  • Be flexible about mealtimes – eat when you feel up to it
  • Choose foods that give you comfort and enjoyment

After treatment

As you recover from treatment, your eating patterns should start returning to normal. Take things at your own pace and be kind to yourself as you adjust. Focus on gradually including more variety in your diet as you feel able.

Living with advanced cancer

If you’re living with advanced cancer, eating well can help you maintain your quality of life and manage your symptoms. Try to keep your focus on enjoying food when you can and finding ways to get the nutrition you need that works for you.

Common eating issues

Changes to your eating patterns and appetite are a normal part of having cancer and its treatment. If you’re experiencing any of these common issues, there are practical ways to help you manage them and maintain your nutrition.

Loss of appetite

It’s natural to lose interest in food during cancer treatment. The best food for cancer patients experiencing appetite loss is simply what they feel able to eat. It could help to try these approaches:

  • Try eating small amounts often throughout the day
  • Keep your favourite snacks within easy reach
  • Remember it’s okay to eat at unusual times
  • Make the most of times when you feel hungry, whatever time of day that might be

Nausea and vomiting

Feeling sick can make eating difficult, but there are ways to help manage this. Many people find these approaches helpful when choosing food for cancer patients with nausea:

  • Take any anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor
  • Start with small amounts of food and eat slowly
  • Try cold foods and drinks which may have less smell
  • Stay hydrated with small sips of liquid throughout the day

Changes in taste and smell

When food tastes different or smells become overwhelming, adapting your nutritional diet for cancer patients might mean:

  • Experimenting with different temperatures – some people prefer cold food
  • Using plastic cutlery if you’re experiencing a metallic taste
  • Trying adding different seasonings to foods you usually enjoy
  • Focusing on the foods that still taste good to you

Mouth problems

A dry or sore mouth can make eating uncomfortable. The best food for cancer patients with mouth issues tends to be soft and moist:

  • Choose softer foods that are easier to eat, like scrambled eggs or yogurt
  • Add extra sauces or gravies to moisten your food
  • Sip water frequently to keep your mouth moist
  • Avoid foods that might irritate your mouth, like citrus or spicy dishes

Digestive issues

If you’re experiencing diarrhea or constipation, adjusting your food for cancer patients diet can help:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day
  • Eat slowly and chew your food well
  • Keep track of foods that cause problems and discuss them with your healthcare team
  • Try gentle movement like walking to help with digestion

Meal planning and ideas

When planning meals as part of a nutritional diet for cancer patients, focus on options that are both nourishing and manageable for you.

Quick meals

When you don’t have much energy, simple meals can provide good nutrition. Try these nourishing options that take minimal preparation:

  • A bowl of porridge made with full-cream milk, topped with fruit
  • Scrambled eggs with cheese on toast
  • Ready-made soups enriched with cream
  • Baked beans with grated cheese
  • Yogurt with fruit and honey

Snacks and drinks

Having nutritious snacks and drinks ready can help you maintain your energy throughout the day:

  • Smoothies made with fruit, yogurt and milk
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Peanut butter on toast
  • Custard or rice pudding
  • Milkshakes with added ice cream

Nourishing food options

When considering food for cancer patients, try to focus on foods that provide good nutrition when you can eat them:

  • Full-cream dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt
  • Fully cooked eggs
  • Nut butters spread on toast or crackers
  • Avocado added to sandwiches or smoothies
  • Nutritious drinks like enriched milk or smoothies

Questions you may have

Can cancer be cured by diet?

There are no scientifically proven cancer beating foods or foods good for fighting cancer. Unfortunately, many unproven diets, vitamins and supplements are promoted on social media claiming to do so. But there is no evidence to prove these claims and to follow one might prevent you from getting the protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals you need.

Can cancer patients eat spicy food?

Some cancer treatments can damage the cells that line the mouth and stomach (called mucositis) which gives mouth ulcers that increase sensitivity. Food or drinks that are spicy, acidic, salty, too hot or cold are often avoided by cancer patients. But listen to your body and decide what works for you.

Why is nutrition important for cancer patients?

A nutritional diet for cancer patients will boost the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to recover more quickly from treatment. Good nutrition also improves mood, lifts energy and can help you maintain a healthy weight.

Have other questions? Talk to us.

Our team is here to listen and support you.