Introduction: Food and Cancer

This information has been written for people with cancer, their families, carers and friends. It provides information on ways of dealing with eating problems that may occur due to cancer or its treatment. It also provides a guide to eating well after your treatment is over.

Your dietitian, doctor and nurse are your best sources of information about what you should eat. This information will add to their advice. Feel free to ask them for help and to talk with them about changes to what you eat. Ask them to explain or repeat anything that is not clear.

If you come across a word you don't understand, see the section What does this word mean? for definitions of some common medical terms.

Request a booklet

For a free printed copy of Food and Cancer call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20. You can also download a copy of this information at the top of the page.

Editorial policy

Each Understanding Cancer series booklet is reviewed and updated every two years or as new information comes to hand. The Cancer Council works with cancer doctors, specialist nurses or other relevant health professionals to ensure the medical information is reliable and up to date. Consumers also check the booklets to see they meet the needs of people with cancer.

Before commencing any health treatment, always consult your doctor. This booklet is intended as a general introduction and should not be seen as a substitute for your own doctor's or health professional's advice. All care is taken to ensure that the information contained is accurate at the time of publication.

Content updated May 2009