"What should I eat now?"
Women often think about this question after being diagnosed with cervical cancer. Changes in appetite, nausea, digestive issues, and fatigue may make eating more difficult than before. As normal meals can turn into unappealing meals, certain food combinations can make you feel worse. There is no such thing as a food cure for you or your cancer, but there are foods that can make your body more resilient to treatment. Eating the easier-to-chew foods and avoiding the foods that might aggravate side effects can make eating easier during the day.
Foods to limit
Foods to Limit | Why They May Be a Concern | Better Alternatives |
Bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats | Often contain preservatives and may contribute to inflammation | Fish, eggs, lentils, beans, tofu |
Cakes, pastries, candies, sugary drinks, and white bread | Can cause blood sugar spikes followed by energy crashes | Fresh fruit, oats, yoghurt |
French fries, fried chicken, and greasy fast food | May worsen nausea, bloating, and stomach discomfort | Baked, grilled, or steamed foods |
Instant noodles, packaged snacks, and ready-to-eat meals | Usually high in sodium and low in nutrients | Freshly prepared meals |
Alcohol | May interfere with medications and increase dehydration | Water, coconut water, and herbal teas |
Excess coffee and energy drinks | Can affect sleep and contribute to dehydration | Herbal tea, milk, fruit smoothies |
Foods worth including in your diet
Fruits and Vegetables
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables during the day. Nutrients from berries, oranges, spinach, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers help support the body during treatment.
Whole Grains
Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are good sources of sustained energy and will help to keep you full for an extended period of time.
Nuts, Seeds, and Healthy Fats
On days when it's hard to eat a big meal, a handful of almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, or olive oil will provide a lot of nutrients.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Milk, yoghurt and cheese are sources of protein and calcium. Greek yoghurt can also be easier to digest and is a straightforward snack choice for some.
Legumes
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are rich in protein, fibre, and other nutrients that promote health and wellbeing. They can be added to soups, curries, and salads easily.
Everyone responds differently
There's no "one-size-fits-all" diet plan during cervical cancer treatment. Some foods may work for some, but not others. If the food does not taste very good and it makes you feel sick, then it's a good idea not to eat it for a while. When it's difficult to eat, talk to your health care team or a registered dietitian. They will suggest dietary options that are suitable for you and your treatment.