Diet and exercise during treatment

Eating well and engaging in regular physical activity can make a positive difference in your recovery and overall well-being during and after cancer treatment.

These healthy habits can:

• Improve quality of life

• Support long-term survival

• Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence

• Help manage treatment side effects

Eating a well-balanced diet is essential during cancer treatment. It can help you feel better, stay stronger and manage treatment side effects. However, nutritional needs vary from patient to patient based on the type of cancer, treatment and individual side effects (e.g., nausea, loss of appetite).

Why good nutrition matters for cancer patients

Cancer and its treatment can affect appetite, the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and tolerance to certain foods. Eating enough calories and protein is crucial to maintain strength and energy.

What does a healthy diet look like?

For most people, a balanced diet includes:

• Plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals

• Moderate amounts of meat and dairy products

• Limited fat, sugar, alcohol and salt

Increased nutritional needs for cancer patients

People undergoing cancer treatment may need to increase calorie and protein intake to compensate for nutritional loss caused by illness or treatment. This may involve:

• Choosing high-calorie, high-protein foods more often

• Ensuring proper hydration

• Adjusting food choices based on treatment side effects

A personalized nutrition plan can help ensure you meet your body’s needs. Talk to your cancer care team or a registered dietitian for individualized recommendations.

Nutrition therapy for cancer patients

Nutrition therapy plays a crucial role in helping cancer patients:

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Preserve strength and energy

• Support healthy body tissue

• Reduce treatment-related side effects

By following a personalized nutrition plan, patients can improve their overall well-being both during and after cancer treatment. Consulting with a registered dietitian or oncology nutritionist can help ensure that dietary choices align with individual needs and treatment goals.

Personalized nutrition needs during cancer treatment

Calorie and nutrient needs vary for each cancer patient based on factors such as weight and height, side effects from treatment, existing medical conditions and type and stage of cancer treatment. A registered dietitian (nutritionist) is an essential part of your cancer care team. They work with patients, families and healthcare providers to develop a nutrition plan that supports healing, strength and side-effect management.

When to seek nutritional help

If you experience eating difficulties, notify your cancer care team immediately. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite

• Dry or sore mouth

• Nausea or vomiting

• Difficulty swallowing

• Weight loss or gain

• Constipation or diarrhea

Tips for maximizing nutrition during cancer treatment

According to the National Cancer Institute, the following strategies can help ensure proper caloric and nutrient intake:

• Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals.

• Choose high-calorie, high-protein foods to maintain energy.

• Eat your largest meal when you feel most hungry.

• Stick to foods that sound appealing—even if you repeat meals.

• Consider liquid meal replacements for additional nutrition.

• Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, drink 8 to 12 cups of fluids daily (water, clear apple juice, caffeine-free tea, caffeine-free carbonated beverages).

Food safety guidelines for cancer patients

Cancer patients have a weakened immune system, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Follow these food safety precautions:

• Wash hands and surfaces before preparing food.

• Keep foods at proper temperatures (hot foods hot, cold foods cold).

• Refrigerate leftovers immediately after eating.

• Keep raw meat and poultry separate from ready-to-eat foods.

• Cook food to safe internal temperatures.

Handling fruits and vegetables safely

• Scrub all fresh produce with water and a brush before eating.

• Soak delicate fruits (e.g., berries) in water before rinsing.

• Scrub produce with rough skins (e.g., melons) before cutting.

Foods to avoid

• Raw honey, milk and fruit juice (choose pasteurized versions).

• Salad bars, sushi, raw or undercooked meats, fish, poultry and eggs when dining out.

For additional guidance, consult with your oncologist or dietitian. When unsure about food safety, follow the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) advice: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

In the past, cancer patients were often advised to rest and limit physical activity. However, current research shows that regular exercise can provide significant benefits during and after cancer treatment, including:

• Managing weight

• Improving quality of life

• Reducing cancer recurrence risk

• Enhancing prognosis (survival likelihood)

• Easing treatment-related side effects (fatigue, anxiety, stress)

Why exercise is important for cancer patients

Lack of physical activity can lead to muscle weakness, loss of body function and reduced range of motion. To prevent this, many cancer care teams encourage patients to stay as active as possible both during and after treatment.

Benefits of regular exercise during cancer treatment

• Helps control weight

• Maintains or improves physical abilities

• Enhances balance

• Lowers risk of osteoporosis

• Preserves muscle strength

• Reduces fatigue

• Lessens nausea

• Improves blood circulation and lowers risk of blood clots

• Boosts self-esteem

• Reduces anxiety and depression

How much should cancer patients exercise?

The American Cancer Society recommends:

• Avoiding inactivity and resuming normal daily activities as soon as possible after diagnosis

• Exercising for at least 150 minutes per week

• Incorporating strength training exercises at least 2 days per week

Personalized exercise plans

Each patient’s exercise routine should be tailored to their individual needs, considering cancer type and stage, current treatment and physical ability.

Consult your doctor before exercising

• Some patients can safely start low-to-moderate exercise on their own.

• Others may require guidance from a physical therapist or exercise specialist.

• Your oncologist or hematologist can help determine a safe exercise plan.

Even small amounts of activity can be beneficial. Move as much as you comfortably can and adjust your routine based on how you feel.