Diet tips for pancreatic cancer

The following tips may help you manage different symptoms that can affect your eating and digestion. If you have questions about any of these tips, speak to your doctor, nurse or dietitian.

12 diet tips for pancreatic cancer

1. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) can help with digestion symptoms. Don’t forget to take this when you eat.
2. People often think they need to follow special recipes when they have pancreatic cancer, but this is not usually the case. It’s fine to eat the foods you would normally eat, or to try something new. Just make sure you take PERT with it.
3. There are no foods that you should stop eating because of the cancer.
4. If you can’t manage large portions, try eating smaller amounts more often, for example three small meals and three snacks a day.
5. Use smaller plates so that your meals feel easier to manage.
6. Every mouthful helps. If you feel sick or very full, have a break and eat some more an hour or so later.
7. Try to set realistic goals for yourself. It’s normal to have good and bad days with how much you can eat.
8. Freeze portions of homemade dishes, so they are available if you don’t feel like cooking. Or try ready meals.
9. Keep snacks close by so that you can eat whenever you feel like it.
10. How food is presented on the plate can help it look more tempting.
11. Sometimes, the smell of food can put you off. If a family member or friend can cook for you that might help.
12. You could try using a food diary to record what you eat, the PERT you take, and any changes to your digestive symptoms. Download our Diet diary.

Updated March 2025

Review date March 2028