Managing Side Effects and Eating Problems

Cancer treatments can cause side effects that make eating harder. Eating well may look different for everyone. 
Food may taste different. You may have a sore mouth or trouble swallowing. Treatment can also upset your stomach and make you feel sick or throw up. 

It is important to give your body the energy (calories) and protein it needs to stay strong. You may need to change the types of foods you eat to make this easier for you. You may also need to change how you make the foods you eat. What you eat may change from week to week, or even day to day. That is okay.

Patient Education Resources

Constipation

| .pdf

This pamphlet explains what causes constipation and what you can do to help. It also includes a list of symptoms that need medical attention. This pamphlet is also available in French.

Categories

Nausea and Vomiting

| .pdf

A possible side effect of cancer and cancer treatment is nausea (feeling sick to your stomach) and/or vomiting (throwing up). This pamphlet describes what to do if you have nausea or vomiting and how to manage these side effects.

Categories

How to Puree Foods

| .pdf

This pamphlet explains how to puree foods. Topics include food safety, helpful hints, ways to add calories and protein, what to do if constipation (not being able to poop) is a problem, as well as recipes.

Categories

High Energy, High Protein, Low Fat Guidelines

| .pdf

Choosing high energy, high protein foods will help you get the nutrition you need to increase your energy levels, gain or maintain weight, heal, and recover quicker from surgery or illness. This pamphlet gives you tips to eat less fat, tips to help you eat better, and information about protein, energy, and nutritional supplements.

Categories

YourHealthNS App

Much of Nova Scotia's healthcare program and service information is now available on the YourHealthNS mobile app. Download for free on the Apple Store and Android Apps for Google Play.

Download on the Apple App Store
Get it on Google Play

New Health Information System

Nova Scotia Health's new One Person One Record system has rolled out at facilities in the Halifax Regional and West Hants municipalities, and some provincial Mental Health and Addictions Program services.

During this time of transition to a better patient-record system, our teams will keep working to get you the care you need.

You may notice staff in purple vests helping our care teams use the new system.

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Learn More