Cancer and Nutrition
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread to surrounding tissues. Nutrition is important in both cancer prevention and cancer care. Eating well before, during and after treatment can help manage side effects and improve outcomes of treatment. Some side effects that may impact dietary intake during treatment include decreased appetite, dry mouth, mouth sores, taste changes, sore throat, trouble swallowing, nausea and vomiting. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) work with Veterans to help optimize their nutrition during cancer treatment. Adequate nutrition can help Veterans to maintain their strength, body weight and decrease side effects of treatment.
Please consult your Dietitian for individualized recommendations.
Cancer and Nutrition Handouts
Oncology Nutrition Information
Altered Taste and Smell
Being Active with Cancer
Colorectal Cancer: Reducing Your Risk
Constipation Management During Cancer Treatment
Cooking for Cancer Symptoms
Dehydration and Cancer
Diarrhea and Cancer
Eating Well During Esophageal Cancer Treatment
Food Safety During Treatment
Guidelines for Cancer Prevention
Guidelines for Prostate Cancer Survivorship
Nausea and Vomiting
Nutrition and Cancer-Related Fatigue
Nutrition and Carcinoid Syndrome
Nutrition for Dry Mouth and Thick Saliva
Nutrition Therapy During Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Oxaliplatin, Nutrition and Cold Sensitivity
Poor Appetite
Preparing for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Preventing Infection During Treatment
Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Nutrition
Sore Mouth and Throat
Supplements and Cancer
Tips for Chewing and Swallowing
Ways to Add Calories and Protein
Oncology Cookbooks
Oncology Cookbook
Altered Taste and Smell Oncology Cookbook
Appetite Loss Oncology Cookbook
Constipation Tips Oncology Cookbook
Diarrhea Oncology Cookbook
Difficulty Chewing and Swallowing Oncology Cookbook
Nausea Oncology Cookbook
Sore Mouth and Throat Oncology Cookbook
Additional Resources
VA Healthy Teaching Kitchen Program
National Cancer Institute: Nutrition in Cancer Care*
National Cancer Institute: Eating Hints Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment*
American Cancer Society: Nutrition for People with Cancer*
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health*
American Institute for Cancer Research*
American Institute for Cancer Research: Healthy Eating*
*By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs Website.
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