Nutrition is an important part of the health of all children. It is especially important for children getting cancer treatment. Cancer and its treatments may affect a child's appetite, tolerance to foods, and their body's ability to use nutrients. Eating the right kinds of foods before, during, and after treatment can help a child feel better and stay stronger. Children who get good nutrition while being treated for cancer:

• tolerate treatment better
• are better able to stay on schedule for treatment
• tolerate the side effects of treatment better
• heal and recover faster
• have less risk of infection during treatment
• have better strength and energy
• keep up their weight and muscles and their body's store of nutrients
• keep up normal growth and development
• have a better quality of life—they are less irritable, sleep better, and work better with the health care team

Each child with cancer has their own nutrition needs. If your child has cancer, you can and should talk with your doctor about your child's diet. Talk to the health care team any time you have concerns about how much your child has been eating or drinking. Your doctor, nurse, dietitian, speech pathologist, and even your child’s dentist will work with you to figure out your child’s needs and come up with an eating plan to meet them.

The information here is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's nutrition needs, you should talk to your child's cancer care team.