CancerLiving with chronic illnessNutrition

Tips for healthy eating when you have cancer

Learn why the foods you eat could help you recover faster.

Jan, 2026
LearnOncologyCancerTips for healthy eating when you have cancer
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Fight infection with protein
Energize with carbohydrates
Keep hydrated
Prevent mouth sores and dry mouth
Manage appetite changes

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Eating healthy isn't always an easy task if you have cancer. You need nutrients more than ever, but you may not feel much like eating, or you may find it difficult to eat even your favorite foods. Healthy nutrition can help keep up your strength and energy, tolerate treatment-related side effects (such as pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue), feel better, and speed up your recovery.

Written byTaylor Dahl.
Medically reviewed byAnn Wendling, MD, MPH.March, 2024
Sources: American Cancer Society. Understanding Nausea and Vomiting. Last Revised: June 26
  1. American Cancer Society. Understanding Nausea and Vomiting. Last Revised: June 26, 2024.

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