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
Ena-Charge Fruit Jelly
$2.50
Description End your meal with this refreshing fruit jelly. Provides a boost of energy for those with poor appetite, or hydration for those who drink very little water (e.g. elderly, or those with swallowing difficulty)....
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...
Okunosu Nutrition Support Egg Custard
$3.40
Description Enjoy a delicious egg custard without the hassle of cooking. 75g per pack. Contains real seafood extract. Soft and smooth texture that's easy to swallow. Ready-to-eat. Just peel open and serve. Special remarks: To serve warm,...
Smooth Porridge
$3.60
Description Cooking porridge for a loved one with dysphagia is time-consuming. It involves washing the grains, cooking till soft, then blending till smooth. Furthermore, the result can be unpredictable. It's sometimes too watery, too thick,...
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...
Bread Porridge (Contains 20 servings)
$32.00
Description This is an excellent replacement for regular porridge or oats, which often do not provide enough energy to the elderly. It also makes a great tea time snack and can be served on its...
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....
Protein Mousse Dessert
$2.80
Description This instant mix gives you a boost of energy, protein, and calcium. Just add milk and stir! To serve as ice cream, store in the fridge for 30 mins. This yummy dessert makes a...
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,...
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...
Ion Support Fruit Jelly
$2.60
Don't like using thickener and not drinking a full 8 cups of water each day? The Ion Support Fruit Jelly is perfect for you. Developed in collaboration with healthcare experts, real patients, and food technologists, this jelly helps...
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...
Fish with Shiitake Oyster Sauce
$3.20
Description This dish brings back memories of grandma's cooking. A familiar taste of savoury oyster sauce on fresh fish. A delightful dish for a meal at home! Heating instructions: Heat from frozen Microwave: Peel film/lid...
Ginseng Chicken
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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....
Ipoh Hor Fun
$5.50
Description This iconic dish features silky smooth flat rice noodles enveloped by a mushroom and soy sauce gravy. Topped with strips of succulent chicken, goji berries and a healthy dose of vegetables, this makes the perfect one-dish meal for...