Cancer
When you’re healthy, eating enough food to get the nutrients and calories you need is easy.
But when you're treated for cancer, your diet might change to build up your strength and withstand the impacts of cancer and its treatment. You might need to eat foods that aren't usually recommended for a healthy person, namely those high in calories, fat and protein. The goal is to maintain a healthy body weight, improve your strength and reduce your risk of infection.
Treatments for cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy etc. Did you know that these treatments not only kill the cancerous cells in your body but also normal healthy cells? This damage will lead to various side effects which will affect what and how much you eat.
Common nutritional problems faced by cancer patients
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Sore mouth or throat
- Loss sense of taste or smell
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Constipation
- Feeling very tired all the time (fatigue)
- Depression
Resources
To learn practical tips on how to care for your loved one with cancer, check out these resources:
Recommended foods
Soft Fruit Cup
$3.00
Is your loved one not eating enough during mealtimes? Not drinking a full 8 cups of water either? Try serving a fruity cup jelly to help him/her obtain more energy and stay hydrated. It contains 150...
Broccoli Bouquet
$2.60
Description The cheerful colours of this dish will surely brighten up your meal. Broccoli provides important vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, while carrots give our eyes a boost with their high Vitamin A content. Heating instructions: ...
Simmered Vegetable Puree
$3.80
Vegetables are so important for us. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Yet, it's one of the least consumed foods in our diet. This results in constipation and nutritional problems. One of the...
Mellow Cauliflower Mix
$2.40
Description Tender florets and carrot chunks, stir fried in a savoury vegetable stock. Heating instructions: Heat from frozen Microwave: Peel film/lid slightly and microwave on HIGH (800W) for 3 mins; OR Steam: Do not peel film/lid....
Braised Hairy Gourd with Mushroom and Tau Pok
$1.50
Description Plump slices of juicy hairy gourd are gently braised in a pot with savoury mushrooms and crunchy bits of tau pok. A delightful surprise in every bite. Heating instructions: Heat from frozen Microwave: Peel film/lid slightly...
Neapolitan Chicken Patties
$4.50
Description A signature Italian creation. Plump tomatoes, cloves of fresh garlic, and a dash of herbs are simmered with love to deliver a rich tomato sauce bursting with flavour. Coated over our juicy chicken patties,...
Garlic Coriander Fish
$3.90
Description Garlic lovers are sure to fall in love with this dish. Firm and moist white fish are seasoned with lemon juice and poached. We then topped it off with a punchy sauce made from...
Ginseng Chicken
$4.70
Description Ginseng is an ancient herb that's prized for its healing properties. To make this premium dish, we braised the chicken over low fire with Ginseng root (yes, the real deal) and a harmonious blend of seasoning....