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...
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...
Braised Hairy Gourd with Mushroom and Tau Pok
$1.90
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...
Braised Ginger Chicken
$3.80
Description Ginger has traditionally been used for its many health benefits. For this savoury dish, we've lovingly cooked the chicken meat over a gentle fire, so as to infuse the...
Goma Chicken
$4.70
Description "Goma" refers to "Sesame" in Japanese. Sweet and nutty, this creamy sesame sauce with a tinge of vinegar is our staff favourite. Drizzled over juicy baked chicken, this exquisite...
Sweet and Sour Chicken
$4.70
Description Sweet and sour chicken is one of the must have item at Chinese family gatherings. At Health Food Matters, we created the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours...
Ginger Soy Chicken
$4.40
Description Delicious and perfect Asian braised chicken with ginger and soy sauce, get yours today and share it with your loved ones at home. Heating instructions: Heat from frozen Microwave: Peel...
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. ...
Dim Sum Chicken
$3.50
Description Dim Sum evokes the memory of a lively weekend family meal. Now you can recreate that experience in your own home with this Cantonese delicacy. Serve our succulent chicken...
Rainbow Vegetables
$2.80
Description A colourful palate for the eyes! Roasting these hearty and healthy vegetables brings out the best flavour in them. This is a simple and flavorful side dish that everyone...
Blended Porridge
$1.50
Description Blended porridge is a tricky one. But fret not, as we've perfected the formula - not too thick, not too watery, not too grainy. All you need to do,...
Porridge
$1.00
Description A bowl of warm porridge is often seen by many cultures as a comforting food for recovery. Serve it plain with our wide array of dishes, or drizzle some sesame...
Seafood Hor Fun
$5.80
Description Experts in this dish will tell you, a great hor fun should have velvety smooth noodles with a distinct but slight charred taste. This coupled with the robust gravy...