The importance of eating well while going through treatment for melanoma or skin cancer

Eating well is not always easy, and eating well during treatment for melanoma or skin cancer can be hard. Many patients experience side effects related to their melanoma or the treatment which can make it difficult to eat. Some patients find that they lose weight because of the melanoma or skin cancer and treatment, or because of stress and worry. Other side effects that may reduce your interest in eating can include nausea, loss of appetite, tiredness, constipation and diarrhoea.

Your treatment team or GP can refer you to a dietician if you need some help managing your diet. Dieticians are experts in food and nutrition who can create a special eating plan to help you.

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Immunotherapy and gut health

Immunotherapy is a treatment that is sometimes used to help patients with melanoma. Immunotherapy boosts the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer. The tiny organisms that live in our intestines are called the gut microbiome and are an important part of our immune system.

We are still learning how important the gut microbiome is in our immune system, but there is emerging evidence that it can help a patient respond well to treatment for cancer. You can improve your gut microbiome by eating a normal healthy diet and including different foods with lots of fibre. Wholegrains, nuts, seeds, legumes, pulses,
fruits and vegetables are all part of a healthy diet. Together these foods benefit you and the organisms that grow in your intestines that can make your immune system strong.