Feeling sick is quite a common problem for cancer patients. It may be caused by the illness itself, or by a treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Your doctor may give you medicine to stop you being or feeling sick.

There are also many simple ideas you can try for yourself, to help you feel better...

When to eat

• It may help to eat little and often, rather than to have big meals.
   
• If your radiotherapy or chemotherapy is making you sick, avoid eating during the one or two hours before your treatment. It may be better to eat one or two hours afterwards.
   
• Try to avoid getting hungry. Keep a ready supply of snacks to hand (eg plain biscuits, cereals, bananas).

Choosing foods

• Avoid fatty, greasy, fried, spicy or hot foods.
   
• Try plain foods such as...
  
  • toast
  • crackers
  • cereals
  • pasteurised yoghurt
  • porridge
  • potatoes (baked, boiled or mashed)
  • chicken or fish (eg grilled or with a simple sauce).
     
• If you feel sick early in the morning, try eating some dry toast or a plain biscuit before you get up.
   
• Eat foods at room temperature (but make sure they are fully cooked through). Hot foods may make you feel more sick.
   
• Many people find ginger helpful. You could try sipping ginger ale, or nibbling crystallised ginger or ginger biscuits.
   
• If you can’t manage to eat your meal, you could try a meal replacement drink such as Complan.
   
• Don’t force yourself to eat your favourite foods if you don’t feel like them. This could put you off them in the future!

Drinks

• Avoid drinking liquids with your meal – they may make you feel bloated.
   
• Sip fluids slowly throughout the day. Using a straw may help.

Cooking

Try to avoid cooking smells as much as you can. You may like to try some cold meals, or some pre-prepared foods from the freezer. Maybe a friend or relative could help you by making some meals for you.