SIDE EFFECTS OF CANCER THERAPY

Dt. MALLIKA GARG
(Clinical Dietician, M.Sc. in Food  Nutrition)

SIDE EFFECTS OF CANCER THERAPY

In case of nausea and vomiting              


  1. Take small and frequent meals
  2. Increase fluid intake
  3. Consume liquids with straw
  4. Include cold foods i.e, icecreams,ice cubes,coconut water,jelly,smoothies,puddings etc.
  5. Greasy and fried foods are worst tolerated.
  6. Eat slowly and chew food well so that it can be digested easily.
  7. Limits liquids at mealtime.
  8. Do not lie flat immediately after meals 

In case of loss of appetite and early satiety
                                                                     


  1. Take frequent small meals.
  2. Increase calorie and protein density of foods.
  3. High Protein/calorie supplements should be taken.
  4. Limit liquids at mealtime.
  5. Provide a pleasant mealtime atmosphere.
  6. Regular exercise if tolerated/as advised by the doctor.

In case of mouth of sores/dry mouth

  1. Try a soft,pureed or liquid diet to decreased chewing.
  2. Avoid citrus or tomato based products.
  3. Try to maximise calories and protein with fortified nutritional milkshakes.
  4. Increased fluid intake.
  5. Tart foods or hard candy may be used to stimulate salivation. 
  6. Do not use hot spices i.e, pepper,chillies etc.
  7. Use nutritional supplements to substitute regular food intake.

In case of difficulty in swallowing (Dysphagia)


  1. Softer food to improve swallowing problems.These tend to go down easier such as Porridge,custards,milkshakes.
  2. Increased calorie and protein density of foods.
  3. Liquids tend to be the best tolerated. 
  4. Chew solid foods thoroughly. 
  5. Frequently small meals recommended. 
  6. Avoid highly seasoned foods.
  7. Limit coarse-textured and acidic foods(if they aggravate the problem)
  8. In case Patient is not able to eat well, tube feeding can be introduced.

In case of Diarrhea


  1. Frequent small meals recommended.
  2. Cool or room temperature foods should be taken.
  3. Eat and drink slowly.
  4. Avoid highly seasoned foods.
  5. Decreased fiber intake (raw fruits and vegetables,coarse whole grains).
  6. Avoid excess fat in meals.
  7. Avoid gas forming foods such as cabbage,soyabeans etc.
  8. Increased fluid intake.
  9. Try avoidance of lactose.

In case of Constipation
  1. Drink Plenty of fluids, at least 8-10 glasses per day.
  2. Increase fiber intake. Eat variety of fruits and vegetables,whole grains and dals etc.
  3. Try milk with honey,papaya, isabgol with milk etc as they are known to be the best laxatives
  4. Hot lemon water in the morning helps to stimulate bowel activity.
Location: D1201-A, Pan Oasis Society, Sector 70, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India

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