Dietitians

Collage of imaages. First image features dietitian and patient. Second image is of selection of healthy food. Third image is a dietitian.

Eating well

Cancer treatments disrupt the way cancer cells grow and divide but they can also affect normal cells. This can cause you to feel unwell. It is therefore very important to have a healthy balanced diet appropriate to your specific needs during your treatment to keep you as well as possible. This can help you recover faster and support your body during your treatment.

 

Why is it important for me to keep my weight stable during my treatment?

 

Research has shown that people who maintain a stable weight through cancer treatment live longer and have a better quality of life. It is therefore important not to lose weight during your cancer treatment even if you are overweight.

 

If you lose weight during treatment:

 

  • You are more likely to lose muscle than lose fat. This puts you at risk of poor mobility and may reduce your ability to do things that you enjoy.

 

  • You may be more at risk of side effects and your treatment may have to be delayed if you are not well enough.

 

  • Your body shape is likely to change. If you are having radiotherapy, the radiographer will mark your body with permanent ink dots before your treatment starts. If you lose weight, the treatment may not reach the targeted tumour cells and may affect normal tissue. This could lead to increased side effects so it is best to keep your weight stable.

 

What is a healthy diet?

 

Your diet should include a selection of foods from each of the following food groups:   

 

  • Fruit and vegetables.

 

  • Starchy foods (carbohydrates), such as wholemeal bread and wholegrain cereals.

 

  • Protein-rich foods such as beans, pulses, meat, fish and eggs.

 

  • Dairy or calcium containing foods.

 

  • ‘Good’ fats from vegetable sources e.g. olive and rapeseed oil, nuts and seeds.

 

Foods which are high in sugar or high in saturated (animal) fats should be limited if you have a good appetite. These foods provide a large amount of energy to our diets which can result in weight gain.

 

Our dietitians have compiled their top tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. To read their advice, click here.

 

To find out more about eating well click here to visit the NHS website.

 

Are there any foods I need to avoid? 

 

Your doctor, nurse or dietitian will let you know if there are any specific foods you need to avoid with your particular treatment. Most people do not need to cut out any foods from their normal diet.