Share this on:Copied!

A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential at any stage of life, but it’s especially crucial during cancer treatment and recovery.

Taking the best possible care of your body during your cancer journey can:

• Boost your immune system.
• Improve your overall well-being.
• Keep up your strength.
• Reduce fatigue.

Cancer treatment may cause side effects that affect your appetite, your taste, or your ability to keep food down. Here’s what you need to know about eating a healthy diet and navigating nutrition-based challenges during cancer recovery.

Before making any diet changes, it’s essential to consult with your cancer care team. While most cancer patients do not need to follow a special diet, treatments vary. Ask your care team or dietitian any questions you have before incorporating certain foods.

What Should Cancer Patients Include in Their Diet?

In general, cancer patients should focus their diet around these areas:

• Antioxidants from food — Antioxidants are thought to help prevent cancer because of their role in preventing cell damage. Eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is an easy way to get adequate antioxidants. Antioxidant supplements often provide more than the recommended daily intake and don’t work in the same way as getting antioxidants from food. Therefore, antioxidant supplements are currently not recommended during cancer treatments.
• Fiber — For most cancer patients, a diet rich in fiber helps with digestion, blood sugar, and cholesterol. However, depending on your type of cancer and treatment plan, your doctor may require you to eat a low-fiber diet.
• Fruits and vegetables — Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables has many health benefits. You can enjoy canned, frozen, or fresh versions of your favorite fruits and vegetables and still receive the nutritional value. When choosing canned fruits and vegetables, opt for low-sodium or no-sugar-added varieties. Try to fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies at mealtimes.
• Healthy fats — Avocados, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and olive oil are all examples of healthy fats that can reduce inflammation.
• Lean and plant-based proteins — Eat lean protein sources, such as poultry and fish, or plant-based proteins, including tofu, beans, and lentils.
• Whole grains — Whole wheat, brown rice, oats, and barley are great whole grain choices that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They provide more nutrients than processed grains that have been milled, such as white bread, white rice, and white flour.
• Water — Hydration is important during every step of the cancer journey. Some treatments can cause dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Your needs may vary, so always carry a reusable water bottle with you and talk with your care team to ensure you are drinking enough fluids. Broths, smoothies, and hydrating snacks can also help ward off dehydration.

What Should You Avoid in Your Diet?

Avoid the following when planning your diet:

• Added sugars — Sugar can cause inflammation in the body and lead to weight gain and other health problems. Added sugars can be sneaky. They are usually found in sweetened fruit juices or coffees, sodas, desserts, some canned fruits, and even pasta sauces and salad dressings. The best way to avoid sugars is by reading the ingredient labels on food packages and choosing whole foods.
• Alcohol — Alcohol has been linked to several types of cancer and should be avoided as much as possible. If you can’t abstain from alcohol altogether, it’s best to limit your daily intake to one drink for women and two drinks for men. The less you drink, the better. If you’re having trouble resisting the urge to drink, talk to your care team to discuss support options for quitting.
• Dietary supplements — Dietary supplements can impose risks for people undergoing cancer treatment. Large doses of certain vitamins and minerals can actually make radiation therapy and chemotherapy less effective. Talk with your care team before you begin taking any dietary supplements.
• Herbal supplements — Supplements made from various herbs can improve your health, but they can also interfere with your cancer treatment. Talk with your care team before you begin taking any herbal supplements.
• Processed foods — While many processed foods are easy to access and prepare, they are also linked with weight gain and other health concerns. They include foods with additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and artificial coloring. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have lost most nutritional value and tend to be higher in sugar, salt, and saturated fat content. They can come as prepackaged sweets, snacks, and instant meals.
• Red meat and processed meat products — Beef, pork, lamb, bacon, ham, sausage, deli meats, and hot dogs all have known or probable carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents. Because of their links to certain cancers, it’s best to avoid eating them altogether during your recovery and beyond.

What Are Common Eating Challenges During Cancer Treatment?

Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy can all affect your ability to eat.

Common side effects from these therapies include:

• Appetite changes.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Dry mouth or thick saliva.
• Fatigue.
• Foods tasting off, bitter, metallic, too salty, or too sweet.
• Mouth sores.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sore throat.
• Swallowing problems.
• Taste and smell changes.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, talk with your care team. They may be able to prescribe medication or nutritional supplements.

You may also find relief from:

• Choosing plastic or bamboo containers and utensils, which can help reduce bitter or metallic taste in the mouth.
• Drinking calorie-dense protein shakes or liquid nutrition supplements.
• Eating hydrating snacks.
• Having your favorite foods on hand if most foods don’t sound appetizing.
• Practicing safe food handling and storage guidelines.
• Snacking throughout the day instead of eating large meals.

Are There Other Resources Available?

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers nutrition services with registered dietitians for cancer patients, including:

• Managing eating problems and symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatments.
• Providing nutrition education and guidance on various diets.
• Providing safe food handling and preparation information.
• Resources such as cookbooks, cooking classes, blogs, home-delivered meals, and other programs in the community.
• Reviewing and analyzing your current diet.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is the region’s only comprehensive cancer center, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. With more than 70 UPMC Hillman locations, you can find expert care close to home. For more information, visit our website.