Our prehabilitation dietitians work as part of the specialist team to provide a diet plan to help in the physical build-up for cancer surgery and treatments. Being nutritionally well will support a faster recovery from surgery and can reduce side effects of treatment.
Our aim is to ensure you are at your healthiest in preparation for treatment, therefore it is important that you eat well. Having the right nutrition is one of the things that you can do for yourself that can reduce side effects of treatment and support a faster recovery.
Where to find us
Antrim Area Hospital, Bush Road, Antrim, BT41 2RL
How to contact us
- Telephone: 028 9442 4000 (Switchboard)
Useful resources
Having a variety of food and well-balanced meals can maximise your energy levels and make you feel better.
The ‘Eatwell Guide’ shows the different food groups and quantities we should consume to have a healthy, balanced diet.
Follow our healthy eating advice:
- Try to plan your weekly meals
- Start the day with a healthy breakfast
- Eat at regular times throughout the day
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids (avoid too many fizzy drinks)
- Monitor portion sizes (use smaller plates/bowls to help reduce portion sizes)
Trying to lose weight before treatment should be done under the guidance of a dietitian as you may lose muscle mass. This can have a negative effect on your treatment outcome.
How to increase calories and protein
- Have small portions ‘little and often’ – try to eat every 2-3 hours throughout the day.
- Drink full cream milk with meals. This can be fortified with skimmed milk powder to add protein and energy.
- Include nourishing snacks throughout the day, e.g. milky puddings, bread-based snacks such as malt loaf (i.e. Veda) and cheese or crumpets with butter.
- Try adding milk, cheese, butter or cream where possible, which adds calories to your meals and snacks.
- If you don’t feel like eating, try to have a small portion of something that you can manage and enjoy.
- Take snacks and drinks to appointments in case they take longer than planned.
- Avoid products labelled ‘low fat’, ‘diet’ or ‘sugar-free’.
- Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any symptoms, such as constipation or nausea that are affecting your appetite.
If you have chronic kidney disease, only use fortified milk under the guidance of your dietitian.
Eating well during cancer treatment | MacMillan
Tackling food myths and cancer | MacMillan
Eat well, spend well | BDA: The Association of UK Dietitians
Physical activity for older people | NHS
Physical activity for age 19-64 | NHS