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 affect your ability to eat, digest foods and absorb essential nutrients. Here we look at common side effects and how to manage them.

Learn more about:

• Managing side effects during and after treatment
• Poor appetite and weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Reflux and choking 
• Dumping syndrome
• Anaemia and osteoporosis

Managing side effects during and after treatment

During and after treatment, it’s important to make sure you are eating and drinking enough to maintain your weight and avoid malnutrition or dehydration. If you are eating less than usual it is often recommended that you choose high energy, 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.

After treatment, some foods you used to eat may cause digestive problems. You will need to try different foods and ways of eating to find out what works for you. You may need to change your eating habits, such as eating smaller meals more often throughout the day.

Some people find it difficult to cope emotionally with the changes to how and what they can eat. You may feel self-conscious or worry about eating in public or with friends. These reactions are natural. It may help to talk about how you feel with your family and friends, 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 or call 13 11 20 to arrange to speak to a Cancer Connect volunteer who has had a similar cancer experience.

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