Navigating what to eat during and after cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. Changes in appetite, unexpected weight gain or loss, and altered taste sensations are common challenges many people face. At Wessex Cancer Support, we understand these difficulties and are committed to helping you manage them with practical advice and compassionate care.
How can Wessex Cancer Support help you with nutritional information?
Eating well while going through cancer treatment isn’t just about nutrition, it’s about helping your body heal, maintain strength and improve your overall wellbeing. Whether you’re undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or in recovery, your nutritional needs can change day by day and we’re here to guide you through these changes with personalised support.
Tackling myths and confusion about diet and cancer
The internet and media can often bombard you with conflicting information about what you should or shouldn’t eat during cancer. It’s easy to feel confused or frustrated when faced with diets promising quick fixes or miracle cures. At Wessex Cancer Support, we believe in evidence-based advice that’s tailored to your individual needs, not fad diets or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Our team stays up to date with the latest scientific research and clinical guidelines so we can signpost you to the right information to help you make informed choices. We encourage you to discuss any nutritional questions or concerns with your medical team, including your doctor, clinical nurse specialist or dietitian. You can learn more below.
When to seek specialist advice
−If you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nausea, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, or unexpected weight changes, a referral to a registered dietitian can be invaluable. Dietitians specialise in managing the nutritional side effects of cancer and its treatment and can create tailored meal plans to suit your tastes and medical needs.
Practical tips and support we offer
+- Tailored nutritional guidance: Whether you need ideas to boost your calorie intake or recipes that are gentle on your digestive system, we can provide advice and resources that fit your lifestyle.
- Managing side effects: Learn how to adjust your diet to manage common treatment side effects like mouth sores, taste changes, or diarrhoea.
- Supporting emotional wellbeing: We know that eating can be a social and emotional experience. We offer support to help you reconnect with food in a way that feels enjoyable and nourishing.
- Hydration advice: Staying hydrated is crucial during treatment, and we can share simple ways to keep your fluid intake up, even when your appetite is low.
Your journey, your nutrition
+Every person’s experience with cancer is unique and so too are your nutritional needs. Our aim is to empower you with knowledge, practical tools and encouragement to make the best food choices for you, whether you’re managing treatment side effects, rebuilding strength or maintaining long-term health.
If you’d like to talk to someone about your nutritional needs or have questions about the resources we offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly care team.
Nutrition resources to support you
We also offer a range of resources designed to make your nutritional journey easier including:
- Nutritional support events: Join our interactive cooking classes and workshops led by specialist dietitians and chefs, designed specifically for people living with cancer.
- Simple and nutritious recipes: Explore easy-to-prepare meals packed with nutrients to help you feel your best.
- Informative articles and guides: Find trustworthy, easy-to-understand information on nutrition topics relevant to your cancer journey.
Learn more below and explore our nutrition resources.
Help us to support our community
Thanks to people like you, we can provide care for those affected by cancer in our community. Your support means our Cancer Support Centres are there to help our clients, providing free, personalised wellbeing support to them and their families. Our running costs for our Cancer Support Centres are generously funded by people who donate, fundraise, and shop with us. Without your support, people in your community wouldn’t be able to receive the personalised care they deserve.
Every penny you donate makes a huge difference.
From everyone at Wessex Cancer Support, thank you.
