Eating problems

Macmillan Cancer Support Medical Reference

Apart from a poor appetite and loss of weight, some people with cancer have other difficulties with eating. Some of these problems may be related to the cancer itself, while others may be temporary side effects of treatment.

Problems may include a sore or dry mouth, being too tired to cook or eat, and feeling sick. Other problems may include constipation, diarrhoea, wind, difficulty chewing or swallowing, poor appetite and a big appetite due to medicines.

In this section some of these possible difficulties are discussed and some suggestions are given to help you overcome them.

Sore mouth

• Drink plenty of nourishing fluids. If you find that fresh fruit juices sting your mouth, try less acidic juices instead, such as blackcurrant or rosehip syrup, apple juice or peach or pear nectar. Some pre-prepared, juice-tasting drinks may also be helpful. These are available from health food shops and some supermarkets.
• Cold foods and drinks can be soothing to a sore mouth. Try adding crushed ice to drinks and eating ice cream or soft milk jellies.
• Avoid salty or spicy food which may sting your mouth.
• Avoid rough textured food like toast or raw vegetables as they can scrape at sore skin.
• Keep your food moist with sauces and gravies.
• Try drinking through a straw.
• Pineapple chunks or melon slices can clean the mouth and are refreshing.
• Tell your doctor if you have a sore mouth. They can prescribe soothing or antiseptic lotions or sprays for you.
• Many hospitals have their own mouth-care guidelines for patients on chemotherapy. Your doctor or specialist nurse will be able to advise you about your mouth care. Mouthwashes can be very soothing, but many that you can buy in chemists or shops may be too strong for you. Your doctor can prescribe an anaesthetic gel or mouthwash.
• Use a child’s soft toothbrush to clean your teeth gently.
• If you wear dentures, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight and leave them out for as long as you can during the day to prevent them chafing your gums. If you are having radiotherapy to the jaw area you may be advised to keep your dentures in as much as possible during the day. This can help to maintain the shape of your gums.

For information about other eating problems you may experience with cancer, and suggestions to help you overcome them, visit Macmillan Cancer Support’s website.