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Questions and answers

What can I eat?

This is one of the most common questions during treatment. The main idea: properly cooked, fresh and clean food.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A hot dish cooked through
Figure 1.A hot dish cooked through

01Short answer

You can eat most foods during treatment, as long as they are prepared safely. Meat, poultry, fish and eggs should be cooked through; dairy should be pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be washed well, and some centres advise peeling them during neutropenia. Raw or undercooked meat, raw eggs, unpasteurised milk and cheese, sushi, sprouts and open-buffet food are risky. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for long. Your team and a dietitian will give specific advice about what you eat.

02Simple explanation

The main rule: cooked through, fresh, clean.

Raw and unpasteurised foods are the risky ones.

03Scientific explanation

Food-borne infections (Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter and others) can be severe in people with weakened immunity; the aim is to reduce the number of germs.

Recent studies have not shown a benefit from a very strict “neutropenic diet”; the focus is on food-safety rules. Ask about your centre’s approach.

04What happens in the body?

What is fine

Well-cooked meat and fish, fully cooked eggs, pasteurised milk and yoghurt, washed or cooked vegetables, well-washed fruit, bread, rice, pasta, and foods in sealed packaging.

What to avoid

Raw or undercooked meat, fish and seafood, raw eggs (including homemade mayonnaise), unpasteurised milk and cheese, sprouts, loose deli food and leftovers from the day before.

Washed and peeled fruit
Figure 2.Washed and peeled fruit

If your appetite is poor

Small, frequent meals and favourite safe foods help. If you are losing weight, talk with a dietitian.

Risky foods set aside
Figure 3.Risky foods set aside

05Safe eating

Four main steps.

Wash hands — Before cooking and eating.1Wash handsBefore cooking and eating.
Cook through — Meat, eggs and fish.2Cook throughMeat, eggs and fish.
Eat fresh — Soon after cooking.3Eat freshSoon after cooking.
Keep cold — Leftovers into the fridge quickly.4Keep coldLeftovers into the fridge quickly.
Fewer infectionsThe rules lower the risk.
Enough nourishmentThe body gets strength to recover.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
What is fineWell-cooked meat and fish, fully cooked eggs, pasteurised milk and yoghurt, washed or cooked vegetables, well-washed fruit, bread, rice, pasta, and foods in sealed packaging.
What to avoidRaw or undercooked meat, fish and seafood, raw eggs (including homemade mayonnaise), unpasteurised milk and cheese, sprouts, loose deli food and leftovers from the day before.
If your appetite is poorSmall, frequent meals and favourite safe foods help. If you are losing weight, talk with a dietitian.

07Key terms

Pasteurisation
Heat treatment to kill germs.
Listeria
A bacterium found in unpasteurised foods.
Neutropenic diet
Food-safety rules during neutropenia.

08Key points

  • Most foods are fine if prepared properly.
  • Cook through and eat fresh.
  • Avoid raw and unpasteurised foods.
  • Talk with a dietitian about your diet.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I eat fruit?

Yes, well washed; during neutropenia peeling is sometimes advised.

Can I eat restaurant food?

It can be risky; ask your team and avoid open buffets.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I eat fruit?

  2. Can I eat restaurant food?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. NHS. How to wash your hands
  4. NHS. Stem cell and bone marrow transplants
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Peripherally inserted central catheter - dressing change
  6. Cancer Research UK. Coping emotionally with cancer
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer (booklet)
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Histocompatibility antigen test
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  10. Anthony Nolan. Understanding stem cell transplants
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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