Loss of appetite may be due to the cancer or treatment for the cancer. You may have loss of appetite if you have any of the below:

• Tiredness

• Pain

• Taste changes, such as with sugar, salt, or meat

• Side effects from medications

• Changes in your mood or if you are feeling depressed

You need to eat enough to maintain weight, do daily activities, and prevent illness.

To help you eat enough:

• Eat small meals 5 to 6 times a day.

• Don’t drink much at meal time. This can help you not feel full too quickly. Drink liquids at least 30 minutes before meals.

• Help family members plan meals you would like to eat.

• Let others to cook for you. Talk with them first about specific needs and requests.

• Eat in pleasant surroundings in the company of friends or family.

• Try using plastic utensils and cook in a glass pot if foods have a metal taste.

• If strong smells bother you, stay away from the area where food is being prepared. Eat cold foods instead of hot foods. Cold foods don’t smell as much.

• Do light exercise before meals.

• Try new recipes.

• Don’t smoke. It can affect your sense of smell and change your sense of taste.

To prevent feeling full too fast:

• Don't eat high-fat foods.

• Drink liquids at least 30 minutes before meals.

• Chew food slowly.

• Don’t eat foods or have drinks that cause gas. These include cabbage or broccoli and fizzy drinks such as beer or soda.

To prevent foodborne illness during cancer treatment:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water before making or serving foods.

• Clean all utensils and cooking or storage containers fully.

• Thaw frozen foods in refrigerator or microwave, not at room temperature.

• Cook all raw protein foods to safe temperatures. This includes eggs, meats, poultry, and fish.

• Serve hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don’t let foods get to room temperature.

• Refrigerate foods quickly.

• Wash all fruits and vegetables before eating.

• Use only pasteurized dairy products. Don’t eat raw cheese or drink raw milk.

• Do not use foods beyond expiration dates.

Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects from cancer treatment that affect your ability to eat. These can include dry mouth, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, or constipation. Your healthcare provider may change your medicine. Or he or she may prescribe medicine to help increase your appetite.

Your healthcare provider may also ask you to:

• Keep a daily food diary.

• Weigh yourself regularly.

• Write down changes in mood, appetite, and other feelings you have.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the below:

• Trouble drinking enough fluids

• Trouble eating any food

• Dizzy feeling when you stand up

• Any other problems or questions