What should I eat during cancer treatment?

During cancer treatment, good nutrition may look different from what we usually think of as a healthy diet. According to the National Cancer Institute, people with cancer often need extra protein and calories.

For most people, a healthy diet includes lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, modest protein, and small amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. But when you have cancer, your diet may need to include more meat, fish, eggs, dairy, fats, and plant-based proteins than someone without cancer. The extra protein and calories help you keep your strength up to deal with side effects, prevent malnutrition, and maintain your best possible quality of life.

Because treatment can cause eating problems—like nausea, dry mouth, mouth sores, taste changes, or trouble swallowing—there are specific tips to manage each one. And some treatments weaken your immune system, so food safety is important: keep foods at safe temperatures, scrub raw produce, and use separate utensils and cutting boards for meats and produce.

A registered dietitian is the best person to guide you. They can figure out the right amount of protein and calories for you and build a nutrition care plan. Ask your doctor for a referral, especially if you're losing weight or having trouble eating.