Health Library

Importance of Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

Having good nutrition during cancer treatment can help to:

Nutritional Goals During Treatment

1. Prevent and/or minimise unintentional weight loss
2. Ensure adequate energy and protein intake to maintain weight, muscles, immunity and strength:
   - Energy sources include carbohydrates such as bread, noodles, rice, porridge, chapatti, thosai and healthy oils such as canola, sesame, olive and soft margarine
   - Protein sources include fish, meat, chicken, duck, eggs, tofu, milk, soymilk, legumes, nuts
3. Have adequate hydration. Aim for 6-8 glasses of fluids daily from sources such as milk, soy milk, sports drinks, juices, water unless you have been advised by your doctor to restrict fluid intake

Monitoring Your Nutrition

Self-monitoring of your weight and food intake is important. Unintended weight loss will weaken your immune system and affect your ability to tolerate cancer treatment.

You should plan to weigh yourself weekly during cancer treatment and take note of your food intake.

Check If You Have:

• Unplanned weight loss (loss of ≥ 3kg in 1-3 months or ≥ 5-6 kg in 6 months is concerning)
• Eating lesser than before (especially if less than ½ of your usual in the past 5 days or more)

If you have at least 1 of the above, you can let your doctor know to refer you to a dietitian who will advise you on your meal plans and help ensure that you receive the necessary nutrition.

Meanwhile you can scan the QR code or visit the web link (provided at the back of this pamphlet) for more resources relating to poor appetite and common nutrition related side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea/vomiting/diarrhea or constipation.