The emotional impact of dietary related problems

Diet related symptoms can have an emotional impact on people with pancreatic cancer and their family or carers. If you are experiencing dietary related symptoms you may become anxious about food or eating, particularly if you are coping with diarrhoea. Weight loss and the resulting change of appearance can cause anxiety and concern.

Family members, carers or friends often want to make sure that the person affected by pancreatic cancer is eating well. They may spend a lot of time preparing favourite foods and find it difficult when these are not eaten, especially as they want to help. It can be helpful for them to know that the palate can change from treatment and sometimes people can find it hard to face food or 'go off' particular foods. The smell of food being cooked can also make people feel nauseous.  Nutritional needs can also change if someone has become less active which means they do not need to eat as much and will have a smaller appetite.

Many people with pancreatic cancer will not be able to eat as much as before. The nature of pancreatic cancer and the treatment given can mean that in some people weight gain is not realistic. However, good nutrition is important for helping people to tolerate treatment and maintain a good quality of life.