Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides support for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
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At our National Cancer Information Center trained Cancer Information Specialists can answer questions 24 hours a day, every day of the year to empower you with accurate, up-to-date information to help you make educated health decisions. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with valuable services and resources.
Or ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
Donations, website, or event-related assistance
Tobacco-related topics
Volunteer opportunities
Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
Drinking and Eating Changes
People with cancer might have problems eating food and drinking fluids. Common problems include changes in appetite or weight, or other side effects that make it hard to eat or drink.
A person with a poor appetite or no appetite may eat much less than normal or may not eat at all. A poor appetite can be caused by a changed sense of taste or smell, feeling full, tumor growth, dehydration, or the side effects of treatment.
A person may gag, cough, spit, feel pain, or have other problems when trying to swallow. There can be a number of causes. It may be a short-term side effect of chemo or radiation treatment to the throat or chest. It may also be caused by an infection of the mouth or esophagus, as well as other problems.
Cancer and its treatments can change your senses of taste and smell. These changes can affect your appetite and are often described as a bitter or metallic taste. Food can also taste too salty or sweet.
Weight changes during cancer treatment are common. Some side effects might lead to weight loss, while others might cause a person with cancer to gain weight.