Diet problems with cancer
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Contact our cancer information nurses
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) is the only body in the UK representing the whole of the dietetic workforce. The website provides a large amount of information for anyone interested in food and nutrition
British Dietetic Association 3rd Floor Interchange Place, 151-165 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2TA United Kingdom
Email: info@bda.uk.com
Tel: 0121 200 8080
British Dietetic Association (BDA) website
The Bladder and Bowel Community supports people living with bladder and bowel disorders and has a telephone helpline. The service is confidential. They can also give you information about stoma products.
They have a 'Just Can't Wait' card which allows holders access to toilets in shops and when you are out. It's free to order on the website.
Forward House 17 High Street Henley-in-Arden B95 5AA
Home Delivery Service: 0800 031 5406
Email: help@bladderandbowel.org
Visit the Bladder and Bowel Community website
This website aims to provide reliable information on complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) relating to cancer. The target audience is health professionals, but the information is understandable to anyone. It can help patients and professionals to make decisions about whether to use these medicines.
Find out more about CAM-Cancer
Guts UK produce information and leaflets on common digestive diseases and illnesses. This includes information about cancer of the bowel, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach.
Helpline: 0300 102 4887 (open Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm) Email: helpline@gutscharity.org.uk
This American organisation provides information about nutrition and cancer.
Visit the Memorial Sloane Kettering website
Mouth Cancer Foundation is a charity that supports people affected by head and neck cancer. Its website has information about mouth, throat and other head and neck cancers. The website also has a forum and information on local support groups.
Tel: 01924 950 950 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
Email: info@mouthcancerfoundation.org
Go to the Mouth Cancer Foundation website
The OPA is formed of people who’ve had or still have oesophageal cancer. It publishes useful information about oesophageal cancer and some is relevant to stomach cancer. It also has local support groups and meetings. It offers advice, information, and support to anyone with eating difficulties after stomach or oesophageal surgery.
OPA Cancer Charity Unit 4 Bordesley Hall Farm Barns Storrage Lane Alvechurch Birmingham B48 7ES
Tel: 0121 704 9860 (24 hour) Email: enquiries@opa.org.uk
This organisation provides information and support for people who need artificial feeding. They also have regional support groups for PINNT members.
PO Box 3126 Christchurch Dorset BH23 2XS
Telephone: 020 3004 6193 Email: comms@pinnt.com
World Cancer Research Fund is a charity that provides information and advice about nutrition, physical activity and cancer. They also have a helpline run by dietitians.
Helpline: 0300 102 2523 (Tuesdays 12pm – 2pm and Thursdays 6pm to 8pm)
Email: helpline@wcrf.org
Visit the World Cancer Research Fund website
For general health advice and information.
NHS 111 online gives information if you need fast medical help but it's not a 999 emergency.
Information about NHS 111 online
NHS Inform gives information about illnesses, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
NHS 24 is a confidential telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland. It provides urgent advice out of hours.
Phone: 111
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical and medical support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline offers support with clinical, emotional, general and welfare benefits needs. They also publish booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) Contact email form
Visit the Macmillan Cancer Support website
Maggie’s is a national charity with centres across the UK. They offer care and support to people affected by cancer. Each centre is beside an NHS cancer hospital and is run by specialist staff.
You can join a support group, take part in weekly sessions like relaxation and stress management, or learn about nutrition and health. You can also visit just to have a cup of tea and a friendly chat.
Phone: 0300 123 1801 Email: enquiries@maggies.org
Last reviewed: 15 Nov 2023
Next review due: 16 Nov 2026
Cancer and its treatment can cause eating and drinking difficulties in some people. But there are people that can help and things you can do to cope better.
The side effects of cancer and its treatments might cause problems with your eating, digestion and weight.
Medicines, soft diets, adding calories to your diet or tube feeding are some of the ways to manage diet problems.
Having diet problems when you have cancer can affect you emotionally. But there are things you can do to help you cope.
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Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
