During Treatment: Managing Side Effects
Many breast cancer patients experience temporary side effects during treatment including loss of appetite, nausea, taste changes, mood swings, and insomnia. These symptoms typically improve after treatment ends.
Loss of Appetite:
- Try light exercise (like walking) or relaxation before meals
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly
- Have smaller, more frequent meals
- Focus on high-protein foods: meat, seafood, poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes
- Consider nutritional supplements if needed
- Choose easily digestible foods
Nausea and Vomiting:
- Eat small portions throughout the day
- Maintain proper hydration and electrolytes
- Avoid overly sweet or greasy foods
- Try dry foods like crackers
- Limit large amounts of liquids at once
Mouth Dryness/Sores/Difficulty Swallowing:
- Avoid salty, spicy, acidic, hard or rough-textured foods
- Try honey-lemon drinks
- Chop or puree meats for easier eating
- Choose soft/liquid foods: porridge, soups, custards, stewed eggs
Common Food Questions:
Q: Can breast cancer patients eat chicken?
A: While some patients worry about hormone-injected chickens, medical professionals confirm chicken is safe to eat. Estrogen (if present) concentrates in the animal fat below the skin – simply remove the skin before eating.
Q: Do soy products increase breast cancer risk?
A: No studies show that natural soy increases risk. In fact, soy may help balance hormones. Natural soy products don’t stimulate cancer growth or recurrence.