Other nutrition concerns

Some nutritional issues need extra care. Speak to your doctor or a dietitian for help managing these issues.

Learn more about:

Malnutrition

What is malnutrition?	When you eat foods with less energy and protein than your body needs over a period of time or you lose weight without trying, you may become malnourished. This can occur before, during or after treatment.
What increases the risk of malnutrition?	Factors that increase the risk of malnutrition include: surgery for head and neck, lung and gastrointestinal cancers, which may make it hard to swallow and digest food increased nutritional needs caused by cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery symptoms or side effects of treatment such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and mouth sores loss of nutrients through diarrhoea or vomiting some medicines anxiety, stress and fatigue. Many of the difficulties with eating, swallowing, and digestion discussed here can contribute to, or be symptoms of, malnutrition.
Other signs of malnutrition	Other signs of malnutrition include: muscle weakness significant weight loss dry and brittle hair and nails pale or pigmented skin
How can malnutrition affect your health?	Having malnutrition can increase your risk of infection and reduce your strength, ability to function, and quality of life. It can also affect how your body responds to cancer treatment and make your recovery longer.
Can you be malnourished and overweight?	You can become malnourished regardless of how much you weigh – it is possible to be malnourished even if you are overweight or obese.
When should you talk to a doctor or dietitian?	Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you think malnutrition may be an issue. It is important to do this early so you receive the right advice. They may ask you questions such as: Have you lost weight without trying? Have you been eating poorly because of a decreased appetite?

→ READ MORE: Diabetes

Podcast: Appetite Loss and Nausea

Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer

Watch this video to see why eating well is so important after a cancer diagnosis, and what you can do to maintain a healthy diet.

Key resource

Download a PDF booklet on this topic.

Nutrition for People Living with Cancer

Download PDF600kB

More resources

This information was last reviewed in July 2022. View who reviewed this content.

Jacqueline Baker, Senior Oncology Dietitian, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Lauren Atkins, Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, OnCore Nutrition, VIC; Dr Tsien Fua, Head and Neck Radiation Oncology Specialist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rosemerry Hodgkin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Clare Hughes, Manager, Nutrition Unit, Cancer Council NSW; John Spurr, Consumer; Emma Vale, Senior Dietitian, GenesisCare, SA; David Wood, Consumer.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.

Need to talk?

Call 13 11 20 to talk to a health professional Or email us your questions.

Exercise and cancer

Meditation and relaxation