Good nutrition is important for everyone, but even more so when you have cancer. The nutrition needs of people with cancer during treatment depend on the type of cancer they have, which treatments they get, and what side effects they have. Your cancer care team can help you identify your nutrition goals and plan ways to help you meet them. Eating well while you are being
treated for cancer may help you:

• Feel better • Keep up your strength and energy • Maintain your weight and your body’s store of nutrients • Better tolerate treatment side effects • Lower your risk of infection • Heal and recover

Choosing and eating nutritious food during cancer treatment can help you manage your energy levels, feel better and stay stronger. Depending on the type of treatment, people with cancer can have different side effects. Some of the more common side effects that can affect eating are:

• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mouth dryness or thick saliva
• Mouth sores and pain
• Dental and gum problems
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swallowing problems
• Taste and smell changes
• Weight changes
• Dehydration
• Feeling very tired (fatigue)
• Anxiety or depression