Nutrition and Cancer

The role of nutrition in cancer care is to keep you as strong as possible during and after treatment.  

The Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) have created some useful resources about nutrition and cancer, which we have provided links to in the sections below. 

The information on this page is very general and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have any specific concerns, are having difficulties eating, or would like more information, please tell your consultant, GP or clinical specialist nurse or seek a referral to a Registered Dietician. 

You can find a Registered Dietician in your local area on the INDI ‘Find a Dietician’ webpage:

Nutrition Tips for Coping with Cancer Treatment

The side effects of cancer treatment will vary for each person.

Some side effects may affect your ability or desire to eat. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and surgery can all affect your nutrition. Side effects of treatments can be changes in taste, in appetite and in the ability to eat or absorb nutrients.  Other side effects may be influenced by what or how you eat, such as fatigue, dehydration and constipation.

Nutrition Tips for After Treatment

After completing treatment, it is important to look after your health by continuing to eat well and stay active. 

You should aim to eat a balanced diet and stay a healthy weight. If you are having trouble eating, or having difficulties with weight gain or weight loss, please speak with your doctor or a Registered Dietician. 

Breakthrough Cancer Research Nutrition Resources

Breakthrough Cancer Research support the work of a team of  registered dieticians and researchers, led by Dr Aoife Ryan, in University College Cork to create evidence-based information, resources and recipes for people with and after cancer.

You can visit the Breakthrough Cancer Research website to read this information, including topics such as: