These changes in the body often trigger mild to unpleasant side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, heartburn, indigestion and abdominal discomfort or pain.  Some eating problems are caused by the treatment itself. Other times, patients may have trouble eating because they are upset, worried, or afraid. Losing one’s appetite and experiencing nausea are two normal responses to feeling nervous or fearful. Once patients get into their treatment period and have a better sense of what to expect and how to react, these anxiety-related eating problems should lessen significantly.  

Since food and nutrition have much to do with a person’s physical well-being, the Philippine Cancer Society and its partner the C-Network are working with local health experts and patient support group representatives to disseminate information on how to help cancer survivors and their relatives on proper meal planning.  Susan Villaroman, life coach for the support group Petals of Hope suggests that cancer survivors should be well involved in the many decisions during their treatment stage. “Most survivors will need assurance from their medical and support teams that they are still in charge of their lives,” she said. According to her, this includes having an active role in giving nutritional guidelines to be able to overcome their eating problem during and after treatments, not to mention malnutrition. “Loss of appetite or poor appetite is one of the most common problems that occur during cancer treatment.  It may be caused by the treatments or by the cancer itself. Emotions such as fear or depression can also take away a person's appetite,” she said.

A cancer survivor herself, Villaroman noted that the most difficult aspect of recovery involves a significant nutritional gap. “Talk to your loved ones, doctor, nurse, or a registered dietitian. They can answer questions and give suggestions for specific meals, snacks, and foods, and for dealing with any eating problems a cancer survivor may have,” she added. These medical professionals can also give cancer survivors, their families and their caregivers more information about the long-term issues that they will deal with, and can help develop an individual diet plan.

Dr. Kelly Salvador, medical director of Petals of Hope and chairman for the Relay for Life activity of the Philippine Cancer Society, advised that making mealtimes fun is the best way to help cancer survivors regain their appetite. He recommended that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains is healthier than the high-fat and high-calorie meals of the current generation.  “Higher fat diets are linked to several common diseases like heart disease and certain cancers. Generous amounts of certain vitamins, minerals and other food components like dietary fiber also protect against the development of cancer,” Salvador added. According to Villaroman, there aren't any hard and fast nutrition rules during cancer treatment. Some patients may continue to enjoy eating and have a normal appetite throughout most of their cancer treatment.

As patients begin to feel better, they may have questions about eating a healthful diet.