Managing side effects of oesophageal cancer

Oesophageal cancer and its treatment can cause many side effects. Some of these side effects are permanent and may change what you can eat, and how you digest foods and absorb essential nutrients. Here we look at the common side effects and how to manage them.

Learn more about:

• How treatment will affect eating
• Swallowing difficulties
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Reflux and choking 

How treatment will affect eating

During and after treatment, you need to eat and drink enough to get the nutrition you need, maintain your weight and avoid dehydration. If you are eating less than usual, it is often recommended that you have high energy and high protein foods and relax healthy eating guidelines. You may need a feeding tube during or after treatment if you are unable to eat and drink enough to meet your nutritional needs. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian with experience in cancer care, who can give you more information.

After treatment, some foods may be uncomfortable to eat and may cause digestive problems. You will need to try different foods and change your eating habits, such as eating smaller meals more often throughout the day.

You may find it hard to accept the differences in how and what you can eat. It’s natural to feel self-conscious or worry about eating in public or with friends. It may help to let your family and friends know how you feel, or to speak with a counsellor or someone who has been through a similar experience. They may be able to give you advice on how to adjust. It may take time and support to adapt to your new way of eating.

For more on this, see Nutrition and cancer.

Podcast: Appetite Loss and Nausea

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