07/08/2026
🗣️“There's no special diet or food that can cure cancer.”
Eleanor Quinn, one of our Supportive Care Case Managers and an accredited dietitian, says nutrition is paramount in supporting a patient's wellbeing through a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“Treatment or cancer-specific side effects may make it hard to eat a balanced diet. They may have a reduced appetite, feel full more quickly, or feel nauseous.
"But a balanced diet can help manage symptoms, support the immune system, reduce treatment side effects, combat fatigue, and support the body’s ability to heal.
"Generally speaking, the best thing to do is try to eat a variety of foods from all five food groups.
1️⃣ Breads, cereals, rice, pasta and noodles.
2️⃣ Meat, fish, poultry, eggs and nuts.
3️⃣ Milk, yoghurt, cheese or alternatives (like soy milk with added calcium).
4️⃣ Vegetables and legumes (like chickpeas and kidney beans).
5️⃣ Fruit.
“Foods to avoid are processed meats like salami, ham, bacon, frankfurts and canned meat, and you should limit consumption of burnt or charred meat.
“While cancer can make cooking difficult, quick and easy meals can still provide a balanced diet.
🥫 “Utilise convenience food items like baked beans, canned fish, microwave rice, canned or packet soups, eggs and pre-cut vegetables.
“Don’t feel pressure to eat a ‘traditional meal’. If you feel like milk and cereal, or a grilled cheese sandwich for dinner, go for it!
“If you prefer fluids over solid food, have nourishing drinks high in energy and protein. Don’t wait to feel hungry, try to eat every two to three hours and try to avoid skipping meals.
“If you can’t consume a wide variety of foods for a few days or weeks, don’t beat yourself up. Please don’t feel alone, and make sure you ask your treating team for help.
“And ask a member of your treating team to refer you to a dietitian at the hospital, if you'd like professional help. It's free to see a public hospital dietitian."
🎙️ Hear more from Eleanor in the latest episode of our Talking Blood Cancer podcast, or visit our website for more nutrition and diet resources for living with blood cancer.
