Eating well when you have cancer

After a cancer diagnosis there can be many changes in appetite, taste, ability to swallow, presence of nausea and tiredness all of which can impact on food preferences. Diet needs can change throughout treatment phases from what is required post-surgery, during radio, chemo and hormone therapy. Defining what is healthy at different stages and after treatment has ended can create a lot of confusion and anxiety for people with a cancer diagnosis.

An excellent guide to food needs throughout the cancer journey, with innovative recipes, has been produced by consultant dietitian in oncology Dr Clare Shaw at the Royal Marsden Hospital (50% of the proceeds go to the Royal Marsden Cancer charity). It’s a bold and bright recipe and ideas book which covers “during treatment” and “after treatment” energy dense diets for those with poor appetite and also healthy eating options for those with too great an appetite. Some great chefs have contributed and provided inspiration for recipes from far and wide.

The book can cost £19.99, but shop around or ask your local library or Maggie’s Centre.
Want to know more about eating well after a cancer diagnosis? Contact your local Maggie’s centre to check out free classes and workshops https://www.maggiescentres.org/

This article was originally published in The SCPN Newsletter Volume 8, Issue 1. Read the digital newsletter below using Issuu, or feel free to download the PDF.