If we ask, what is the purpose of cancer treatment? The answer is very simple-cancer therapies are intended to shrink or kill cancer cells, thus ensuring a cure of cancer.

But there is an unavoidable issue, and that is these treatments damage some healthy cells during the treatment. These damages cause some side effects, like eating problems.

It’s common that, due to the stress of cancer and treatment, you may feel nausea and have poor or loss of appetite. But when you know that "it’s going to happen to you," you may feel better, or it would be easier to accept those problems.

The extent of your eating problems depends on the type of cancer, its location, the treatment, the treatment duration, and the treatment doses.

Common eating problems during cancer treatment include:

• Appetite loss
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Lactose intolerance
• Nausea
• Sore mouth (mucositis)
• Sore throat and trouble swallowing (esophagitis)
• Taste or smell changes
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• Weight loss

After cancer treatment, while you are facing eating issues, it is better to avoid these foods-

• Eating unwashable produce like berries and grapes.
• Consuming raw fish.
• Nuts.
• Using expired foods, condiments, or drinks.
• Eating at self-service restaurants.
• Consuming moldy foods.
• Having perishable foods at room temperature for over 2 hours.
• Eating leftovers in the fridge for over 3 days.
• Leaving meat to thaw at room temperature.
• Eating leftover rice or dishes containing rice.

Remember, during treatment, there are many helpful medicines and ways to manage eating problems. If you face eating issues, don’t be late to contact with your healthcare provider.