Appetite is poor

Many things can cause you to lose your appetite during treatment for breast cancer.

It’s important to let your doctor know if you’re struggling to eat well or if you’re losing or gaining weight.

You don't have to have a perfect diet. Try to eat the foods you enjoy most and do the best you can.

Causes of poor appetite

Treatment can affect people in different ways. You may not feel like eating because of side effects such as:

• sore mouth
• changes to your sense of taste - read Taste changes with chemotherapy
• nausea
• diarrhoea, constipation or bowel changes
• anxiety.

Tips to help improve your appetite

• Try to eat small amounts throughout the day rather than large meals at set times.
• Explain to friends and family why you’re not eating big family meals. Make it clear that this is a positive strategy rather than a sign you’re not eating enough.
• Make it easy to eat. Buy nourishing foods that are easy to prepare, ask others to prepare meals for you, or use healthy, ready-to-eat meals when you’re too tired to cook.
• Reduce the smells of food and cooking by turning on a fan or opening the windows.
• Where possible, choose nutritious foods that you enjoy. Don’t force yourself to eat things that you don’t like just because they’re ‘good for you’.
• Drinking water can help if your mouth is dry, but too much water can make you feel full. Taking small sips or sucking on small ice cubes can help.
• Don’t rush your meals and don’t force yourself to eat
• If you find it difficult to eat solid food, drink protein and carbohydrate mixes for energy, protein and vitamins.
• You may prefer soft foods if your mouth is dry or sore. Try smoothies, very soft cheeses, well-cooked pasta, mashed vegetables, casseroles with well-cooked meat, fresh fruit like bananas, breakfast cereal soaked in milk.

If your cancer treatment reduces your appetite, multivitamin and mineral supplements might help. Your doctor, pharmacist or dietitian will be able to tell you if you need them and which are best for you.

Track your appetite

The better you can describe the changes in your appetite, the easier it is to manage the problem. You may find it helpful to keep a note of:

• when your appetite is better or worse
• any weight you lose or gain
• other side effects such as nausea, constipation or stomach pain.