Why People Undergoing Cancer Treatment Have Unique Nutritional Needs

Cancer treatment places extraordinary demands on the body. Chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and immunotherapy all create unique physiological stresses that can alter appetite, nutrient absorption, metabolism and energy levels. Supporting your body nutritionally during this time isn’t about following a “one-size-fits-all” diet. It’s about meeting your individual needs to help you recover, maintain strength and improve treatment tolerance and outcomes.

Why Nutrition Matters During Treatment

Every cell in your body depends on nutrients to repair, regenerate and function optimally. During cancer treatment, your nutritional needs often increase: not just for calories in general, but for protein, micronutrients, antioxidants and hydration. The right nutrition at the right time can help:

• Maintain lean muscle mass and energy levels

• Support immune function and tissue repair

• Reduce inflammation and treatment-related fatigue

• Improve wound healing after surgery

• Reduce side effects from chemotherapy or radiation

When your body is under physiological stress, its ability to absorb and utilise nutrients changes. Even small nutritional imbalances can impact how well you feel, recover and respond to therapy.

Managing Common Treatment Side Effects Through Nutrition

Cancer treatment can affect your appetite and digestion in so many ways. Common side effects include:

• Dry mouth or mouth sores

• Nausea or altered taste

• Fatigue

• Changes in bowel habits, commonly constipation and/or diarrhoea

A personalised nutrition plan can help you adapt your meals so that eating remains enjoyable and nourishing even during challenging phases of treatment.

Who Can Benefit Most from Nutritional Support

While every person’s needs are unique, nutritional care is especially important for individuals with:

• Head and neck cancers, where swallowing or chewing may be difficult

• Breast or prostate cancer, due to hormonal changes and treatment-related fatigue

• Pancreatic or liver cancers, where digestion and nutrient absorption are affected

• Haematological (blood) cancers, which can suppress appetite and immunity

If you’ve noticed weight loss, loss of appetite, reduced food intake, bowel changes, or simply a loss of enjoyment in eating, it’s time to seek support. Early nutritional intervention can prevent further decline and improve both quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Personalised Support Makes All the Difference

As a Clinical Nutritionist specialising in integrative oncology, my role is to help you nourish your body with evidence-informed, personalised strategies. This may include:

• Reviewing your pathology and nutrient levels

• Tailoring your meal plans to treatment stage and side effects

• Supporting gut health and microbiome repair

• Recommending supplements where clinically appropriate

• Coordinating with your oncologist or GP for safe, integrated care

Cancer treatment is a journey that challenges both body and mind. Nutrition provides the foundation for resilience, helping you stay strong, recover faster and feel more like yourself along the way.

If you’re currently undergoing treatment or recovery, I can help you develop a personalised nutrition plan to support your energy, digestion and overall wellbeing.

Book a free 15 minute Discovery Call to start your tailored survivorship nutrition journey today.