Cancer patients face many complications that lead to nutritional issues, either due to their illness or as side effects of treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation). These include:
Oral infections and sores:
Children should use mouthwash regularly.
Provide soft, easy-to-eat foods as much as possible, like custard, jelly, pudding, rice pudding, pureed vegetables, mashed boiled fruits, and soups.
Do not offer any hard or crunchy foods.
Use a straw when drinking.
Avoid serving food hot.
Steer clear of acidic foods like orange, lemon, and grapefruit juices; don’t add lemon or vinegar to food and minimize the use of tomatoes and sauces.
Avoid foods that stick to the roof of the mouth, like soft bread and butter.
Stay away from foods that irritate the throat (like chili and black pepper).
In some cases, liquid nutritional supplements can be used to help the child meet their nutritional needs.