Key points about nutrition and childhood cancer
- eating well supports growth, healing, and strength during treatment
- all tamariki need a variety of foods from all the main food groups
- iIf your child has trouble eating, talk to your dietitian or healthcare team
- your child’s nutritional needs may change during illness - your dietitian can guide you
Eating well for children with cancer
All tamariki need to eat well to stay healthy and to grow well. Eating well means eating a wide variety of foods from each of the main food groups:
- vegetables and fruits
- grain foods
- milk and milk products and alternatives
- protein foods (such as legumes and nuts, eggs, fish and seafood, poultry, and red meat)
For tamariki who have cancer, eating well is especially important because it will:
- help to maintain their normal growth during treatment
- improve their body's ability to fight infection
- help them cope better with the stress and the side effects of treatment
- help with healing
There are common problems that tamariki with cancer have when it comes to eating well - see these listed below.
Always contact your dietitian if your child has any eating problems. Talk to your healthcare team if you they haven't connected you with a dietitian.
When your child is ill, you may need to adjust their nutritional needs. Your child's dietitian will give you advice about this.
See the Child Cancer Foundation booklet for more information.
Does anything in food cause cancer?
No. There is no evidence that food or diet causes childhood cancer. While some adult cancers may be linked to long-term dietary patterns, this does not apply to tamariki.
Can a special diet cure cancer?
There is no evidence that special diets or supplements can cure childhood cancer. The best approach is to support your child with a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all the main food groups. This helps your child to avoid weight loss and stay strong during treatment. Always talk to your dietitian or other health professional before making changes to your child’s diet.
The best foods for children with cancer
All tamariki need food from the main food groups: vegetables and fruit, grains, dairy or alternatives, and protein-rich foods like legumes, eggs, fish, poultry, and meat. During treatment, your child may need extra energy and nutrients. Your dietitian will help you with this.
Common problems for children with cancer
Cancer treatment can affect appetite, taste, digestion, and comfort. These changes can make eating difficult.
See the following pages for information on specific problems and suggestions on how to manage them.
Nausea & Vomiting Due To Chemotherapy
Loss Of Appetite Due To Chemotherapy
Taste Changes Due To Cancer Treatment Medicines
Constipation Due To Chemotherapy
Diarrhoea During Cancer Treatment
Sore Mouth Due To Chemotherapy
Tube feeding during cancer treatment
Sometimes, tamariki going through cancer treatment need extra support to get the nutrition their body needs. If eating becomes too difficult or your child isn’t getting enough energy to grow and heal, your healthcare team (your dietitian) may recommend tube feeding.
Why tube feeding might be needed
Tube feeding helps your child:
- maintain their weight and growth during treatment
- get enough energy and nutrients when eating is hard
- recover from treatment side effects like nausea, vomiting, or a sore mouth
Your child’s dietitian will assess their needs and talk with you about the best options. The healthcare team may recommend tube feeding if your child:
- has had low energy and protein intake (less than 75% of their needs) for 3 to 5 days
- has lost weight or is at risk of malnutrition
What is tube feeding?
Tube feeding means giving nutrition through a small, flexible tube that goes into your child’s nose and down into their stomach (a nasogastric tube). This allows them to get the nutrients they need without having to eat by mouth.
What to expect
Your healthcare team will show you how tube feeding works and support you every step of the way.
Many tamariki adjust well to tube feeding, especially when they start feeling stronger and more comfortable.
Tube feeding can be temporary - it's often used just during the toughest parts of treatment.
It can be used alongside regular eating or as the main way your child gets nutrition for a while.
Where to learn more
Acknowledgements
All the pages in the childhood cancer section of this website have been written by health professionals who work in the field of paediatric oncology. They have been reviewed by the members of the National Child Cancer Network (NZ). Medical information is authorised by the clinical leader of the National Child Cancer Network.
