Eating Well During Cancer Treatment

The truth is, eating well can be a challenge when you have cancer. And everyone is affected differently. Some people find their eating habits change only slightly, while others find that eating well is really hard.

A healthy diet helps your body function at its best. This is even more important if you have cancer because both the illness and its treatments can change the way you eat. They can also affect the way your body tolerates certain foods and uses nutrients.

During cancer treatment, it is crucial that you get enough nutrients and calories. Eating well while you are being treated for cancer might help you:

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

Eating well means eating a variety of foods to get the nutrients your body needs to fight cancer. These nutrients include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water, vitamins, and minerals. The nutrition needs of people with cancer vary from person to person. Your cancer care team can help you identify your nutrition goals and plan ways to help you meet them.