Date: 27 Jan 2026
When Esther, a mother of three from Nakuru, started chemotherapy for breast cancer, she was terrified—not just of the disease, but of the weight she was losing daily. Her sister, a nurse, told her: "Your plate is now your medicine."
That simple shift in perspective changed everything. In Kenya, where cancer treatment often means traveling to Nairobi and juggling hospital appointments, proper nutrition becomes both your fuel and your shield.
What you eat during cancer treatment can mean the difference between strength and exhaustion, between fighting infection and landing back in hospital.
Yet most patients receive their diagnosis and treatment plan with little guidance on what to put on their plate.
Cancer and its treatments—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery—place enormous stress on your body. Good nutrition helps:
Research from Kenyatta National Hospital shows that malnourished cancer patients have 30% higher complication rates.
The good news? Small, consistent dietary changes make a powerful difference.
Myth: "Sugar feeds cancer, so I must cut out all sugar." Fact: While cancer cells use glucose, so does every healthy cell in your body. Cutting sugar completely starves your healthy cells first, leaving you weak. The key is avoiding excess added sugar while eating balanced meals.
Myth: "I should only eat organic foods." Fact: Organic produce is excellent but expensive. Eating conventional fruits and vegetables is far better than skipping them. Wash thoroughly with running water and a splash of vinegar.
Myth: "Supplements can replace food during treatment." Fact: No supplement matches the complex nutrition in whole foods. Some high-dose supplements can even interfere with chemotherapy. Always consult your oncologist before taking anything beyond a standard multivitamin.
What helps:
Pharmily recommends: Ginger tea, electrolyte solutions, and anti-nausea supplements (after doctor approval).
What helps:
Common during chemo. What helps:
What helps:
What helps:
What helps:
At each meal, aim for this balance:
Dehydration is dangerous during treatment, especially in hot regions like Mombasa and Garissa.
Avoid: Sugary sodas, excessive strong tea/coffee (can worsen dehydration)
When food alone isn't enough:
Always get oncologist approval first. Some supplements can reduce treatment effectiveness. Pharmily stocks oncology-approved supplements—our pharmacists can help you choose safe options.
Your body is fighting a war. Every meal is an opportunity to supply your troops with the ammunition they need.
Forget perfection—focus on consistency. On days when eating is impossible, a simple cup of uji is a victory. On better days, build a colorful, balanced plate.
Nutrition won't cure cancer alone, but it will make your treatment more effective, reduce complications, and help you feel stronger throughout the journey.
And in Kenya, where healthcare access demands so much from patients, having your nutrition support delivered to your door removes one more burden.
You are what you eat—especially during cancer treatment. Make every bite count.
Need oncology nutrition supplements or have questions about your diet during treatment?
Pharmily is here to support your journey:
Order protein supplements, vitamins, and nutrition shakes and receive them at your doorstep within 4-24 hours. Our licensed pharmacists are available for consultations to ensure you choose safe, effective products during your cancer treatment.
1. Should I change my diet immediately after a cancer diagnosis?
Consult your oncologist first. Drastic changes can stress your body. Focus on eating a balanced, adequate diet during treatment. More aggressive dietary changes (like plant-based or ketogenic) should wait until after treatment and only under professional guidance.
2. I'm losing weight rapidly and can't eat. What should I do?
This is called cancer cachexia and needs immediate attention. Ask your doctor about prescription appetite stimulants. Meanwhile, focus on high-calorie liquids—smoothies with protein powder, fortified milk, and oral nutrition supplements. Pharmily can deliver these directly to you with same-day delivery in Nairobi.
3. Are there any Kenyan traditional foods that help during cancer treatment?
Yes! Many traditional foods are excellent: fermented porridge (uji) for probiotics; mursik for protein; indigenous vegetables like managu and terere for vitamins; and baobab fruit powder (available at Pharmily) for vitamin C and antioxidants. Just ensure foods are well-cooked and hygienically prepared.
4. How do I know if I need nutrition supplements?
If you're losing more than 2kg in a week, eating less than half your normal intake for over a week, or feel too weak to prepare meals, you likely need supplements.
5. Is it safe to eat fruits and vegetables that aren't organic?
Absolutely. The benefits of eating conventional produce far outweigh any risks. Wash thoroughly in running water with a splash of vinegar. Peel when possible. Organic is a bonus if affordable, not a requirement for health.