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7 Recipes to Ease Common Cancer Side Effects

Photo of pan of Cheesy Chicken

 

This creamy, flavorful millet bake is perfect for patients who need to add calories to their diet. Find more information in our list below. Visit our Virtual Kitchen for more recipes, all created to support the nutritional needs of people impacted by cancer.

Are you experiencing nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, taste changes, dry mouth, or weight loss? We share healthy recipes that can help you cope.

Different treatments and different kinds of cancer are going to affect your ability to eat in many different ways. It is important to try to stay nourished as much as possible.

CSC podcast, “Encore: Eating Well and Staying Active”

Cancer treatment can change the way your body processes food. It can also affect how you feel, and even the way food tastes. In addition to taste changes, side effects like fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite are common during treatment. – Alice Bender, Registered Dietitian, American Institute for Cancer Research

Eating healthy can help you curb these side effects and cope with related eating challenges. A nutritious diet has other benefits too. These include:

Eating healthy can help you curb these side effects and cope with related eating challenges. A nutritious diet has other benefits too. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Lowering the risk of infection
  • Improving overall sense of well-being

Here are 7 common side effects during cancer treatment and healthy recipes that can help.

1. Nausea

If you are feeling sick to your stomach, you probably don’t have much of an appetite. Did you know that an empty stomach can make nausea worse? So, eating a small amount of food every few hours can help minimize it.

For a soothing antidote to nausea, try our Ginger Turkey and Wild Rice Soup recipe. One of the key ingredients is ginger root, which has been shown to help soothe nausea. Broth-based soups like this one can also provide essential fluids and electrolytes.

Find Tips to Cope With Nausea and Vomiting

2. Fatigue

Feeling tired, weary, exhausted, or worn out? Fatigue is a common problem for people coping with cancer. It may be a side effect of your treatment or the cancer itself.

Making sure your body is hydrated and nourished can help you feel more energized. Start your day off with our Almond Banana Wheatberry Cereal to refuel your body with nutrients. Wheatberries are an ancient grain, high in fiber and protein, and have a nutty, chewy texture.

Need extra time to rest throughout the week? Make a full pot of Almond Banana Wheatberry Cereal for the week ahead and keep in your refrigerator. Then you can enjoy a nourishing bowl whenever you need to quickly replenish your body – morning, day, or night.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea can result from some chemotherapy drugs, certain surgical procedures, and radiation treatment to the pelvic area. The apples and oats in our Apple Cinnamon Muffin recipe provide soluble fiber, which can help minimize diarrhea. The best part? These muffins are made with pure maple syrup, giving them a touch of natural sweetness. You can also substitute peaches or berries for the apples in this recipe.

If you are experiencing more than 3 episodes of diarrhea in one day, contact your healthcare team. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration or changes in the levels of potassium and sodium in your body. Changes in these levels can be dangerous if not corrected.

4. Constipation

Lentils are a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, among other important minerals. The legume can also help with constipation. Our Colorful Lentil Soup is bursting with color and flavor.

Another common side effect of treatment is constipation. This could happen for different reasons. Eating a low-fiber diet, not drinking enough fluid, and not being active are common culprits. Surgery, pain medications, and some chemotherapy drugs can also cause changes in normal bowel function.

Finding ways to incorporate gentle physical activity into your day can help. In addition, fiber-rich meals like our Colorful Lentil Soup can promote regular bowel movements. Easy to make in one pot, this recipe combines veggies like celery, carrots, tomatoes, and zucchini into a hearty, nourishing soup.

Discover Tips to Cope With Diarrhea and Constipation

5. Change in taste

Watch this 2-minute video to see how our mouthwatering Polenta With Fruit Compote is made. Using just a few simple ingredients, it’s a quick and easy recipe to help with changes in taste.

Have you noticed that foods don’t taste the same to you now? Some foods may taste like metal or chalk. Or you may find that foods have no taste at all. It’s common for cancer treatment to affect both taste and smell. In turn, this can impact your desire to eat. The good news is that changes in taste are usually temporary and go away after treatment ends.

In the meantime, our Polenta With Fruit Compote may help with the taste changes you’re experiencing. The recipe brings together maple syrup and tart berries for a fruity, flavorful treat. It’s an ideal meal or snack to cope with taste changes, aversions to sour taste, or difficulty swallowing. This compote is also packed with antioxidants and fiber.

6. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common side effect of cancer treatment, namely chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments can reduce the saliva in your mouth. If you are experiencing a dry mouth, you may notice that it’s harder to chew and swallow your food.

Find relief from dry mouth with our cool and soothing Cranberry Coconut Popsicle. This refreshing, 3-ingredient recipe is ideal for anyone experiencing dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, or mouth sores from radiation treatment. Unlike most popsicles, this frozen treat is nutritious too. It has fiber, healthy fat, and protein.

Need Nutrition Help?

Savor Health is a digital health company that provides precision nutrition interventions to manage cancer and other complex conditions. Their Intelligent Nutrition Assistant, Ina®, provides free, 24/7, unlimited, HIPAA-compliant, and secure nutrition services, all from your phone.

7. Weight Loss

Have you noticed that it is hard to gain or keep on weight? It may be a side effect of your cancer treatment or a loss of appetite, if you haven’t felt like eating.

Significant weight loss and muscle loss are associated with a condition called cancer cachexia. If you are experiencing significant weight loss, speak with your healthcare team.

If you are coping with minor weight loss, eating healthy, high-calorie foods may help you gain some weight. Our Cheesy Chicken Millet Bake is high in calories, protein, and fiber. The leeks and cheese give this recipe a rich flavor and creamy texture. If you love traditional chicken and rice casseroles, this recipe is one to try.

Get Tips to Cope With Weight Loss and Weight Gain

Always let your healthcare team know when you are experiencing any eating problems or side effects. They can help determine the most effective way to address them. Speaking with a registered dietitian can also be helpful. A dietitian can share recommendations to help you meet your nutritional requirements and keep your immune system strong. These strategies, combined with healthy eating, can boost your wellness during treatment and beyond.

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Coping With Bone Metastasis? Try These Healthy Tips

Bone is a common place for cancer to spread. If you or a loved one is living with cancer that has spread to the bone, read on for tips to improve your quality of life.

 

Bone metastasis happens when cancer spreads to the bone from another part of the body where it started. It is different than primary bone cancer, which starts in the bone. Bone metastasis (sometimes called bone mets or secondary bone cancer) is not bone cancer. It is still the same cancer you started with. This might be breast cancer, prostate cancer, or another cancer.

Find Hope With Treatment

Bone metastasis is one of the most common types of metastases. It is also very treatable. Many people can live for years after learning they have bone metastasis. Treatment depends on each patient. So, your healthcare team will consider factors that are unique to you. These include your symptoms, where your bone cancer is located, and other cancer treatments you are receiving or have received.

Discover Treatment Options for Bone Metastases

When you discuss treatment options with your healthcare team, let them know about any symptoms you are experiencing. This might include bone or joint pain. Treatment can help lessen pain. Other ways to manage bone pain include working with a palliative care specialist, taking pain medication, or using radiation to treat pain at specific sites. Your healthcare team can help you create a management plan.

Did You Know?
Some drugs can help slow bone metastases, strengthen bone, and reduce pain. Get more details about bone-building drugs.

Boost Your Bone Strength

Your bones and joints need extra attention and care when managing bone metastasis. Common areas for cancer to spread are the hip bone, ribs, skull, spine, upper leg bone, and upper arm bone. Cancer can weaken these bones by keeping important cells from working the way they should. Weakened bones are more prone to breaking.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of fractures, including keeping your bones as strong as possible. Here are some ways to get started:

Get moving to strengthen your bones. 

Exercising can help you maintain bone density, improve your balance, and boost your mood. Walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga are gentle ways to get moving and lift your spirits. Resistance exercises can be good for building muscle strength, but there may be limits on how much weight you should lift. Since some exercises can put stress on the body, ask your healthcare team about safe forms of exercise based on your unique needs.

Nourish your bones. 

A well-balanced diet can help you feel better overall and support bone health. Look for foods that are rich in vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and calcium helps build strong bones. Excellent sources of calcium include yogurt, canned salmon, and dark, leafy greens like kale and broccoli. Always talk with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. They can also tell you:

  • If calcium and vitamin D supplements may be right for you
  • Whether you should follow any dietary restrictions
  • How you can support your bone health in other ways

Canned salmon is high in calcium, but fresh salmon is a good source, too. Try this Herbed Lemon Salmon recipe, perfect when experiencing dry mouth from radiation treatment.

Safeguard your home. 

Since the risk of fractures increases with bone cancer metastasis, look for ways you can reduce your chances of falling. Check your home for potential tripping or slipping hazards and correct them. Are there any loose area rugs? Stairs without carpet or treads? Try these 8 simple tips to prevent falls.

Did You Know?
Smoking speeds up bone loss, and excessive alcohol consumption can affect the cells that build new bone. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to help keep your bones as strong as possible.

Connect With Others

No one should have to manage a cancer diagnosis alone. Find hope and inspiration on MyLifeLine, our free digital support community for people impacted by cancer. MyLifeLine exists to easily connect patients and caregivers with their family members, friends, and others in their support community.

Create a personal network site to share updates with your loved ones and organize a helping network for things like rides to medical appointments, help with meals, childcare, and more. You can also join our discussion forums on a variety of topics, from nutrition & wellness to managing side effects. The forums are a safe space to exchange stories, coping strategies, and inspiration with other members going through similar experiences.

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Cancer Treatment: Where Do I Begin?

The first critical step to managing your cancer treatment is making the decision to empower yourself. At Cancer Support Community, “empower yourself” is a phrase we use to describe the ongoing process of making a personal effort to become educated about your cancer diagnosis, your cancer treatment, your health care team, and ways to improve your overall wellbeing. To become “empowered” means that you choose to adopt a series of actions, behaviors, and attitudes that can improve the quality of your life. It’s not about making monumental changes but rather small incremental steps such as asking questions or self-educating to gain a sense of confidence and control as you move forward with your cancer treatment.

Cancer is treated in a multidisciplinary way, meaning several different types of health care professionals will be managing your care. The selection of your oncologist and health care team is one of the most important decisions you need to make and manage throughout your treatment for cancer. An effective treatment for cancer requires a considerable effort by both you (the patient), and your physician. Forming a strong relationship with your cancer care team will be crucial to managing your cancer journey.

Your active participation in the choices you make with your health care team can make a big difference in your cancer experience and quality of life. One way you can do this is to prepare a list of questions for each appointment. Also, be sure to ask for clarification of any terms you do not understand. If you do not feel like you will be able to develop a good relationship with your doctor, consider finding another one. And remember: It is always ok to get a second opinion on your diagnosis and treatment plan from another doctor.

Develop a Treatment Plan

To ensure you understand all aspects of your care, you may want to ask your doctor or your oncology nurse to develop a written cancer treatment plan. This can be a useful communication tool for you and your doctor as it helps you have a full big picture view of what’s to come. It will also help keep you organized, ask questions, and prepare for what’s next.

Your treatment plan reflects your unique situation, taking into account not only the type of cancer you have but your overall medical condition and your personal considerations.

Your Cancer Treatment Plan Should Include:

  • Your cancer diagnosis, tumor characteristics, tests you have had to diagnose your cancer, tests will need to have performed (and how often), treatments you have had or will receive, and how to access support services.
  • Dates and location of scheduled treatments.
  • Side effects of treatments.
  • Recommendations and precautions for managing side effects.
  • Information on scheduling follow-up visits, tests, etc.
  • Complete contact information for all of the members of your health care team.Make sure you understand what is in your treatment plans. There can be a lot of information to digest. If you don’t understand something, ask. Relaying the information back to the doctor can also be helpful to know that everyone is on the same page. The American Society of Clinical Oncology has developed sample treatment plans and templates that can help you and your doctor develop your written treatment plan.

 

Managing Your Health

Managing Medications

  • Cancer treatment usually involves chemotherapy or targeted therapy to treat the cancer as well as other medications for managing side effects.
  • It is important to keep track of the medication you are taking. These tips can help:
  • Get organized. Use pill organizers, charts, calendars, or another method that works for you to keep track of your medication. This will help you ensure you are taking the right medication at the right time.
  • Maintain a master list of your medications. One easy way to do this is to ask your health care team to print out a list of your medications for you. Your medications are likely to change over the course of your cancer treatment, so be sure to review this list at each appointment. If you have a spouse or caregiver who helps you organize your medications, it will be important to review the list with them as well.
  • Do not skip a dose. If you do, contact your health care team for directions.
  • Make every attempt to not run out of your medicine. Call your pharmacy when you notice that you are running low and need a refill. If you use mail order delivery, remember to give staff ample time to refill your medication and speak with your insurance company.
  • Tell your doctors and nurses about any side effects that you experience, even if you don’t think they are that important. They will have information and advise on how to help manage them.
  • Talk to your care team before taking any medication, vaccination, herb or supplement suggested by a health care provider who is not part of your cancer care team. It’s possible that something another provider suggests you take may interact with your cancer treatments and make them less effective or cause more side effects.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Undergoing cancer treatment is challenging but taking steps to ensure you are maintaining a healthy lifestyle can make a world of difference in how you get through your cancer journey. Developing or continuing healthy habits will not only help you lessen the rigors of cancer treatment, but benefit you even after treatment is finished.

Try to choose to adopt a series of actions, behaviors, and attitudes that aim for a healthy lifestyle. Each individual is unique; each person’s cancer is different. You are the expert in your cancer experience in relation to how you feel, what is important to you, and what you want. Work with your health team to tailor steps to healthy living that will work for you.

Healthy Living During Cancer Treatment

During treatment, it’s important to try to maintain as a healthy a lifestyle as you can. What does this mean?

  • Don’t smoke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting.
  • Get proper nutrition. This is essential as your body undergoes the rigors of treatment and exerts a lot of energy into healing and recovery. Taking steps to have a healthy diet will help you to have fuel and power to keep up your strength.
  • Exercise. Doctors encourage cancer patients to stay as active as possible. Be sure to talk to your doctor to learn how to best tailor your exercise regimen for you.
  • Pay attention to your emotional health. Getting a cancer diagnosis can be hard to handle. You may experience a rollercoaster of emotions throughout your treatment including fear, worry, sadness, anxiety, anger, and many more. However, there are many ways that can help you cope healthily with your emotions and cancer experience.
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Doctor Priorities vs Patient Priorities: How to Strike a Balance

A smiling woman doctor in a white lab coat speaks with a patient

 

One of the first decisions everyone diagnosed with cancer must make is choosing a treatment that’s best for them. For many patients, the decision is not an easy one, whether their options are many or few. Some patients also might find that their doctor’s priorities are different from their own. A doctor’s No. 1 priority is treating a patient’s illness or disease. But for some patients, their No. 1 priority may not be their disease.

“It’s not surprising that doctors and patients have contrasting agendas,” Danielle Ofri, M.D., wrote in a blog for the New York Times. “We come to illness from entirely different perspectives and backgrounds. Moreover, the angles of our respective lenses are mismatched.”

Coming to an agreement with your healthcare team about what’s best for you can be a unique challenge, but it’s attainable. For Dr. Ofri and one of her own patients, the challenge was “to help each other adjust the angles of our respective lenses so that our visions could come into common focus.”

So, what happens when your priorities and your doctor’s priorities don’t perfectly align? Keep reading for tips on striking a balance that works for you.

 

Communicate Your Needs & Goals

Cancer and its treatment can be disruptive to everyday life. We recognize the delicate balance between maintaining your lifestyle and treating your disease. It’s important to discuss your treatment options, questions, and concerns with your healthcare team. Let them know what is important to you so the disease can be treated effectively without compromising what matters to you. Through open and honest communication with your doctor, you can make a decision you feel comfortable with.

Here are a few examples of topics to discuss with your doctor:

  • What treatments are best for me and why?
  • What are the risks and benefits of each treatment option?
  • What side effects should I expect?
  • What can I do to feel better?

In addition to learning what your doctor feels is the best goal of your treatment, you can share your own goals around treatment. A goal of treatment may be cure, slowing or controlling tumor growth, or extending your life while maintaining quality of life.

You can also inform your doctor about any personal goals or plans you have. For example, you may want to attend a loved one’s upcoming wedding or other special event for which you want to feel your best. By communicating your goals and plans, you and your doctor can work together to decide the best treatment for you.

Discover Tips & Tools to Help You Make Treatment Decisions

Even though you don’t feel like researching your cancer, it is truly critical for treatment. The more you know, the better. Doctors don’t have time to explain everything, or nurses, so it is important to take notes or record the conversation. I record the office visit, go home, listen & write down what was said and then erase.

― Nancy, diagnosed with cancer

 

Ask About Clinical Trials

One treatment option many cancer patients have at their disposal is a clinical trial. Clinical trials for cancer are research studies that compare the most effective known treatment for a type or stage of cancer with a new approach, such as a new drug or combination of drugs. People with any type and stage of cancer should take the time to explore this possibility.

Even if your cancer is in remission, you can participate in trials that seek to improve your mental and physical health for the road ahead. Clinical trials are not ideal in every situation, but they are always worth looking into.

Find Out More About Cancer Clinical Trials

 

Reach Out for Support 

Making a decision about cancer treatment can be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s hard to know what questions to ask your healthcare team. If you aren’t sure where to start, we offer a decision-support counseling program called Open to Options®. This program can help you create an organized list of questions and topics to discuss with your doctor so you can explore your situation and choose the best treatment option for you. Open to Options is available in English or Spanish for people with any stage of cancer. Call our Cancer Support Helpline at 888-793-9355 to learn more about the program.

Cancer care is changing. Watch this short video about new models of care that can improve your life.

 

Don’t Forget Self-care

The hard decisions don’t end in the doctor’s office. Taking action in your cancer journey also includes taking care of yourself. There are steps you can take to improve your quality of life when living with cancer. Strive to make your health and well-being a priority. Choosing to face cancer head-on is a decision that empowers you to continue living your life your way.