Cancer treatment can bring changes such as pain, nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite. These cancer-related symptoms can affect eating, hydration, sleep and everyday activities.
Understanding what may help can make it easier to discuss symptoms with your healthcare team. This guide covers practical approaches to pain, nausea, appetite changes and general supportive care.
Managing Cancer Pain
Cancer does not always cause pain. However, pain can occur because of cancer itself or as a result of treatment. If you experience ongoing or worsening pain, tell your doctor or cancer care team.
Cancer pain management may involve different approaches depending on the type and cause of pain. Your healthcare professional may discuss:
- Pain medicines: Your doctor may recommend appropriate analgesics based on your individual circumstances.
- Other medicines: Some medicines may be used alongside pain relief for particular types of pain.
- Medical procedures: Certain procedures may be considered when pain is difficult to manage.
- Non-medicine approaches: Relaxation, massage, acupuncture and distraction may form part of a broader pain management plan.
Your healthcare team can review your symptoms and adjust your management plan when needed. Keeping them informed can help them understand how pain is affecting your daily life.
Coping with Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur during some cancer treatments. Your healthcare team may recommend medicines to help manage these symptoms.
Simple changes may also make eating and drinking easier. Cancer Australia recommends approaches such as eating small amounts, choosing simple foods and avoiding smells that trigger nausea.
You could try:
- Eating smaller meals or snacks throughout the day.
- Choosing foods that are easier to tolerate when you feel nauseous.
- Sipping fluids regularly to help maintain hydration.
- Avoiding cooking smells, perfume or smoke if they trigger nausea.
- Sitting upright for a period after eating.
- Discussing ongoing nausea with your healthcare team.
If you cannot keep fluids down, contact your doctor or hospital promptly. Vomiting can contribute to dehydration and may require medical attention.
Managing Appetite Changes During Cancer Treatment
Changes in appetite are common for some people living with cancer. Treatment can also affect taste, smell and how comfortable eating feels.
Eating well can help you maintain adequate nutrition during treatment. However, your nutritional needs can vary depending on your health, treatment and individual circumstances.
Some practical approaches include:
- Eat little and often: Small meals and snacks may be easier than large meals.
- Make food convenient: Keep easy-to-prepare foods available for days when cooking feels difficult.
- Eat when you feel most hungry: If your appetite is better at a particular time of day, consider having a larger meal then.
- Try nourishing options: Milk-based drinks, yoghurt, nuts and other suitable snacks may help increase food intake.
- Ask for professional advice: A dietitian can provide nutrition advice based on your individual needs.
Do not start nutritional supplements, vitamins or other products without discussing them with your healthcare team. Some products may interact with cancer treatments.
Supporting Your Wellbeing
Managing cancer-related symptoms involves more than food and medication. Simple routines may also help you manage day-to-day challenges.
Depending on your health and treatment plan, you may find it helpful to:
- Keep fluids nearby and drink regularly.
- Take gentle activity when your healthcare team considers it appropriate.
- Prepare meals ahead of time when you have more energy.
- Ask family or friends for help with shopping and cooking.
- Make mealtimes comfortable and relaxed.
- Use relaxation or breathing exercises to manage stress.
- Talk with someone if symptoms are affecting your emotional wellbeing.
Cancer Council South Australia also recommends planning and seeking individualised advice from a dietitian when appropriate.
There is no single approach that works for everyone. Your healthcare team can help you decide what is suitable for your circumstances.
When to Seek Professional Support
Tell your healthcare team about symptoms that concern you, particularly if they are new, severe or getting worse. Cancer Australia recommends discussing concerning symptoms and treatment side effects with a health professional rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Contact your treating team if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Ongoing nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty keeping fluids down
- Significant appetite changes
- Unexplained weight changes
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Symptoms that interfere with your normal activities
Your oncologist, GP, cancer nurse or other healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether further support is needed.
Looking After Yourself During Cancer Treatment
Cancer-related symptoms can vary from person to person and may change throughout treatment. What feels manageable one day may feel different the next.
Keeping track of your symptoms can help you explain changes to your healthcare team. You may wish to note when symptoms occur, what makes them better or worse, and whether they affect eating, drinking, sleeping or everyday activities.
If you are considering any new medicine, supplement or other treatment, discuss it with your treating healthcare professional first. This is particularly important during cancer treatment, as some products may affect other medicines or treatments.
CannaTelehealth provides online consultations with Australian doctors for people seeking individual healthcare advice. If you are considering an online consultation, your doctor can review your health information and discuss your individual circumstances and available healthcare options.
Important: This article provides general health information only. It does not replace advice from your oncologist, GP or cancer care team. Do not start, stop or change cancer treatment without speaking with your treating healthcare professional. If you are experiencing severe or worsening symptoms, seek appropriate medical care promptly.
