How to Boost Your Appetite During Metastatic HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer Treatment

Food may be the last thing on your mind when you’re undergoing metastatic HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer treatment. “Cancer can affect your appetite for a variety of reasons,” says Nicole Hopsecger, a registered dietitian at the Center for Human Nutrition at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center.

Treatment side effects such as low appetite, nausea and vomiting, and taste changes can make it difficult to eat. Cancer itself can also affect hunger. “Some tumors release hormones that can interfere with how the body recognizes that it is hungry.” In addition, cancer and its treatment can cause dehydration, depression, nausea, pain, a sore mouth, and stress, all of which can reduce your appetite.

Although these side effects can be frustrating, there are strategies that can help you get the nutrition you need to support your body during treatment.

If you’re not very hungry, try eating small meals, which may be easier to tolerate than large ones. Keep high-calorie, high-protein snacks on hand, so you can easily eat something whenever you feel up to it. Stick to only small amounts of water or juice during meals, because eating and drinking at the same time can make you feel full faster, says Hopsecger.

If there are days when your appetite is stronger, take advantage by eating large portions and high-calorie food. Some good snack options include cheese, chocolate milk, ice cream, and peanut butter. “Make a list of your favorite meals and snacks, and keep the fridge and pantry stocked, so meal prep is easier,” she says.

She also suggests trying liquids such as drinkable yogurt or protein shakes. “Some people find that drinking their nutrition is easier than eating,” says Hopsecger.

She recommends using marinades to add flavor to fish, meat, and poultry dishes. Depending on what taste changes you’re dealing with, adding lemon or lime juice can help brighten bland foods or balance out those that taste too bitter or salty. If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, try eating with plastic silverware and avoiding food that’s stored in metal containers. To help get rid of unwanted lingering flavors, brush your teeth after every meal.

Changes to your sense of taste and smell may also result in a distaste for certain foods. “Someone may also develop an aversion if they got sick after eating a specific food,” says Hopsecger.

If you’re sensitive to strong smells, avoid foods that have strong odors, such as cabbage, fish, garlic, and onions, she says. Or if the texture of meat is bothering you, try shredding it to make it more palatable.

Stick to foods that appeal most to you, and eat smaller meals throughout the day to help manage nausea.

If you’re having trouble keeping food down, try eating small amounts of calorie-dense, mild-flavored foods. Hopsecger recommends choosing high-fat foods such as avocados, nut butters, and nuts and incorporating healthy oils, such as olive oil, into meals.

Ask about adding certain professionals to your care team who can work with you to create a healthy eating plan that fits your needs and is easier to tolerate. Many cancer centers have oncology dietitians who can help you navigate appetite changes, nutrient deficiencies, and questions about your dietary needs during treatment.

If the low appetite is related to anxiety, depression, or stress, Hopsecger recommends working with a psychologist or social worker who specializes in supporting people undergoing cancer treatment.

With the right support, you can manage appetite changes and get the nutrients you need to support your health and well-being throughout breast cancer treatment.