Diet and chemotherapy

Will chemotherapy have an impact on my diet?

Eating well can help you to cope with and tolerate chemotherapy treatment. However, chemotherapy can affect the ability to eat and cause a number of dietary related symptoms. Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea, vomiting, sore mouth, loss of appetite, taste changes, diarrhoea, and constipation. If you are experiencing any dietary related problems from chemotherapy you can ask to speak to a dietitian.

Many people undergoing chemotherapy report some form of taste change. Typical comments include "everything tastes like cardboard", "my mouth feels like there is cotton wool in it", "I have a metallic taste in my mouth", "everything tastes the same", "food has lost its flavour and tastes bland" and "I can't stand my favourite meal/drink anymore".

Taste changes are reversible, usually once chemotherapy has finished the taste buds recover and people begin to enjoy their food again.

If you are experiencing taste changes a good tip is to use spices and herbs in cooking. This can help you cope with the blandness, or a metallic taste. Try to use food with different textures, to encourage chewing and saliva production. Vary your diet as much as possible and try adding sweet and sour flavourings to meat and vegetable dishes.

For tips on managing other side effects from chemotherapy including nausea and vomiting, a dry mouth and taste changes see the diet tips  section.

Chemo- radiotherapy

Some patients with pancreatic cancer may be offered chemo-radiotherapy. This treatment can cause diarrhoea, stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), nausea and vomiting and tiredness. Maintaining a good diet may help you to tolerate the treatment. You may want to try using nutritional supplements  to boost the calories you are getting.