Reviewed by: Dr Michael Jefford, Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; Vivian Kong, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute; Brooke Chapman, Dietitian, APD, Austin Health
The common methods of treating cancer are radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Each of these treatments can produce side effects that can affect your ability to eat and drink. The following provides a summary of the possible side effects that may be experienced, depending on your type of cancer and type of treatment.
The use of radiation to destroy or injure cancer cells so they can't multiply. The aims of radiotherapy are to cure or control cancer, or relieve symptoms of cancer. Possible side effects include:
The use of special drugs to treat cancer by destroying or slowing the growth of cancer cells. The aim of chemotherapy is to cure or control cancer, to relieve symptoms or to help other treatments. Possible side effects include:
The physical removal of cancer using surgery may affect your ability to eat or drink in the following ways:
Some people with head and neck cancer or oesophageal cancer need temporary help with feeding, using a nasogastric tube. This involves passing a soft tube through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. A liquid diet can then be fed through the tube and will help you to maintain your weight and nutritional needs.
While this may seem a bit strange at first, it's quite common and will provide relief if you have a very sore mouth and/or difficulty swallowing.
