Colorectal Cancer: Advanced

Eating nutritiously helps patients feel empowered and can extend life. 

People with advanced cancer may have a number of nutrition-related problems including the following. For information about coping with each of these difficulties, click on the link:

• Poor appetite  
• Constipation  
• Dry Mouth   
• Feeling Full When Eating  
• Gas and Bloating 
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Smell of Food (makes you feel ill or nauseated)
• Swallowing Difficulty  
• Taste Changes  

Following are nutrition suggestions from the American Cancer Society for people with advanced cancer: 

• Make the most of the days when you are feeling well and your appetite is good
• Keep nutritious foods and drinks handy, so they are ready when you feel like eating.
• Eat small, frequent meals and snacks every 1 to 2 hours. For example, if eating a whole sandwich seems like too much, try eating it in quarters throughout the day.
• Eat high-protein, high-calorie foods.
• Avoid liquids with meals to keep from feeling full early (unless needed to help with dry mouth and swallowing).
• Avoid the smell of foods while they are being prepared.
• Eat the foods you like the most.
• Eat with others and at a table if possible. Make eating as much of a pleasure as you can. Removing medical equipment and supplies may help improve appetite.
• Try some type of activity before meals if you can to help increase appetite.
• Don’t force yourself to eat.
• Try to maintain your present weight, but don’t feel pressured to regain weight if you have already lost some.
• Drink enough fluids to help keep your bowels moving regularly
• Try liquid or powdered nutrition supplements when you don’t feel like eating.
• Take all of your medicines exactly as prescribed.  Tell your doctor, nurse or hospice care team members about any problems or questions you have. Your doctor may be able to suggest a simple change in the dosage or timing of your medicines that will correct problem you might have. 

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