Patient page
Life After Treatment
How recovery and adjustment may continue after treatment, including emotional wellbeing, confidence, work, relationships, and living with lasting changes.
Patient information
Eating, Drinking and Nutrition
Why nutrition matters during treatment, what can make eating difficult, and how dietitians and speech and language therapists can help.
Maintaining nutrition and hydration during treatment is extremely important. If eating and drinking become difficult, your team will help you find the safest and most effective way to keep your strength up.
Why eating and drinking may become difficult
Some people find eating and drinking difficult because of:
- Pain
- Swallowing problems
- Changes in taste
- Dry mouth
- Reduced appetite
- Feeling tired or unwell
Support from dietitians and speech and language therapists
Dietitians and speech and language therapists work closely with many patients during treatment. They can help you with swallowing advice, food choices, texture changes, hydration, and practical ways to maintain nutrition.
Feeding tubes
Some people need temporary feeding tubes during treatment to help maintain nutrition and hydration.
These can include:
- Nasogastric tube
- PEG feeding tube
Not everyone needs a feeding tube. If this becomes relevant for you, your team will explain the reasons, the practicalities, and how long it may be needed.
Related resources
Related pages
Patient page
Radiotherapy and Chemoradiotherapy
What radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy involve, how treatment is planned, and which side effects patients may experience during treatment.
Patient page
Recovery at Home After Treatment
What patients and families may need to plan for at home after treatment, including rest, symptom monitoring, follow-up, and day-to-day practical support.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked question
Will I be able to eat normally again?
Many people return to eating and drinking, although some continue to have swallowing difficulties or need support for longer.