Eat well during cancer
Eating well during cancer and cancer treatment can be challenging, but this guide is here to help. It offers practical tips and advice to help navigate common side-effects and maintain a nutritious diet to support recovery and overall well-being.

What’s inside?
- Answers to common questions about diet during cancer and treatment
- Tips for managing common side effects
- Recipes to ease specific side effects
- Information about our Cancer and Nutrition Helpline for expert support
- Inspiring stories from others living with cancer.
Why this guide?
Developed with support from the British Dietetic Association (BDA) Oncology Specialist Group, this guide is based on the latest scientific evidence and expert insights.
This is a valuable resource that is evidence based and peer reviewed, and will benefit many patients undergoing cancer treatment. It will provide clear guidance for their friends and families. It has been a privilege to have been involved in its development and will be utilised by many oncology dietitians.
Lucy Eldridge and Lorraine Gillespie on behalf of the BDA Oncology Specialist Group
Who is it for?
This guide is suitable for most adults with cancer. However, it may not be suitable for you if:
- You are eating very little.
- You have experienced significant unintentional weight loss.
- You are receiving palliative care.
- If you follow a special diet or have had a colostomy/ileostomy, speak to your care team for personalised advice.
Always follow the advice of your cancer care team. This guide is designed to complement their guidance and provide additional support.

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We can only offer our guides and recipe booklets for free thanks to the generosity of people like you