Nausea and vomiting can occur because of the cancer or its treatment.
Learn more about:
Overview
For some people, just the thought of treatment or eating or the smell of food can make them feel unwell. There is a range of anti-nausea medicines (antiemetics) that you can take regularly to control symptoms. If the one you are prescribed doesn’t work, let your doctor or nurse know so you can try another medicine.
Also advise your treatment team if vomiting lasts for more than a day or if you can’t keep any fluids down, as you may become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness and confusion.
If you have persistent vomiting, the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel) may be blocked, so see your doctor as soon as possible. You may need surgery to clear the blockage.
Coping with nausea
- Eat and drink slowly. Chew food well.
- Some anti-nausea medicines need to be taken half an hour before meals – ask your doctor about this.
- Try to eat a little bit at regular intervals – not eating or skipping meals can make nausea worse.
- Suck on boiled lollies. Try peppermint-flavoured or lemon-flavoured lollies.
- Avoid strong odours and cooking smells.
- Snack on bland foods such as dry crackers or toast.
- Drink ginger beer, ginger ale or ginger tea, or suck on candied ginger.
- See opposite page for tips on dealing with vomiting.
Listen to our podcast on Appetite loss and Nausea below.
Steps to recovery after vomiting
 | 1. Take small sipsDon’t try to force down food. Sip small amounts of liquid as often as possible. Try flat dry ginger ale, cold flat lemonade, weak cordial, or cold apple or orange juice. |
 | 2. Introduce nourishing fluidsIf the vomiting has stopped but you still feel sick, slowly introduce more nourishing fluids. Start with cold or iced drinks. Prepare milk or fruit drinks with some water so they are not too strong. You can a so try diluted fluids such as clear broth or weak tea. |
 | 3. Start solid foodNext, try to eat small amounts of solid foods, such as plain dry biscuits, toast or bread with honey or jam, or smooth congee (rice porridge). Stewed fruits and yoghurt are also good. Aim to eat small amounts of food often, rather than 3 large meals a day. |
 | 4. Return to normal dietAs soon as you can, increase your food intake until you are eating a normal, balanced diet. Limit rich foods, such as fatty meats or full-cream dairy products. Your doctor or dietitian may suggest adding extra nourishment (such as nutritional supplements) on your good days to make up for the days you can’t eat properly. |
Podcast: Appetite Loss and Nausea
Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Prof Lorraine Chantrill, Honorary Clinical Professor, University of Wollongong, and Head of Department, Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW; Karen Baker, Consumer; Michelle Denham, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Prof Anthony J Gill, Surgical Pathologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and The University of Sydney, NSW; A/Prof Koroush Haghighi, Liver, Pancreas and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon, Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals, NSW; Dr Meredith Johnston, Radiation Oncologist, Liverpool and Campbelltown Hospitals, NSW; Dr Brett Knowles, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and General Surgeon, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC; Rachael Mackie, Upper GI – Clinical Nurse Consultant, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Prof Jennifer Philip, Chair of Palliative Care, University of Melbourne, and Palliative Medicine Physician, St Vincent’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC; Lucy Pollerd, Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rose Rocca, Senior Clinical Dietitian – Upper GI, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Stefanie Simnadis, Clinical Dietitian, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA.
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