Oncology - Cancer Medicine

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Cancer Clinical Trials

The Cancer Clinical Trials service in Tallaght University Hospital aims to provide our patients with access to new treatments that may not be available to them outside of the clinical trial setting.

The CCTU has been in operation since 2003 and over that time we have enrolled hundreds of patients onto clinical trials. We work with most of the large pharmaceutical companies as well as many cancer research groups across Europe and North America.

We conduct trials in various cancer types including:

  • Lung
  • Colorectal
  • Gastric
  • Prostate
  • Bladder
  • Kidney
  • Pancreas
  • Melanoma

Contact Information

Cancer Clinical Trials, Research Office, Ground Floor, Oncology Day Unit, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 NR0A
Tel +353 1 4144299

Mission Statement

The mission of our Cancer Clinical Trials Team is to advance the field of cancer treatment by conducting innovative and impactful clinical trials. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, researchers, data managers and support staff is committed to improving patient outcomes and quality of life through the development and evaluation of novel cancer treatments. We are committed to maintaining data collection and reporting standards, insuring the integrity and accuracy of our research. With a patient centred approach, we strive to provide access to cutting-edge therapies, personalised care and comprehensive support to individuals affected by cancer. By collaborating with national and international partners, we aim to contribute to the global effort in finding effective and safe treatments ultimately working towards a future where cancer is no longer a devastating disease.  

Our Team

Oncology Team

We are staffed by a highly-skilled team of research nurses, data managers, a clinical trials pharmacy team, consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors, research assistant and a trials team manager. Our clinical director is Professor Ray McDermott, Consultant Medical Oncologist.

How to access this service

If you are a patient of Tallaght University Hospital, please ask your cancer doctor if there is a trial suitable for you. 

If you are a patient at another hospital and you are interested in a cancer trial that is open here, then please ask your cancer doctor to refer you to the doctor at Tallaght University Hospital who is conducting the trial or contact 01 4144209

What is a Cancer Trial?

Cancer clinical trials are medical research trials involving patients with cancer. Cancer clinical trials aim to improve outcomes for cancer and give patients with cancer a better quality of life.

Most trials involve testing new types of drug therapy for cancer, new combinations of drug therapies or new surgery techniques or devices. Every trial is led by a medical doctor and a research team who will look after you during your treatment.

There are several phases of clinical trials:  Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4. Most clinical trials are randomised and they involve two or more treatment arms; this means that you will be randomly assigned to one of the arms.

Randomisation ensures that the trial is fair and that the results are reliable. You may not be assigned to the new treatment arm and this might disappoint you.

Some trials may involve a placebo. A placebo can look like a real drug but it does not affect the body. Placebos are used when there is no standard treatment to compare the new treatment to, or in combination with another approved treatment. Cancer trials are highly regulated and follow a long and careful research process to make sure they are as safe as possible

Who can take part in a clinical trial?

All trials have guidelines about who can and cannot take part. These are sometimes called eligibility or inclusion criteria. For example, a trial may only include people with a certain type of cancer and stage of cancer. Trials also have guidelines about who cannot take part. These are called exclusion criteria and in some cases you may find you are not eligible for a trial based on these exclusion criteria.

Your cancer doctor or research nurse can tell you if a certain trial is suitable for you.

If I am interested in participating in a trial, what is the next step?

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, then please ask your cancer doctor if there are any suitable trials for you. If there is a suitable trial, then you will be provided with a patient information leaflet (PIL) and informed consent form.

This is a detailed document that tells you everything about the trial. The trial will be fully explained to you by your cancer doctor and research nurse. You will be advised to take the PIL home and discuss it with your family and friends and a follow-up appointment will be made for you.

When you attend for the follow-up appointment, the trial will be discussed again and if you wish to participate then you will sign the informed consent form.

You will then be 'screened' for the trial; this involves various tests and assessments and this may take a few weeks. If you are deemed eligible, then you will be randomised to one of the treatment arms on the trial and your treatment will commence.

How will I benefit?

Taking part in a trial means you may benefit from a new treatment that might not be available, except in the trial setting.

You will be closely monitored throughout the trial by the research team and there will be a research nurse that you can liaise with. Whilst you are on a clinical trial you may have to attend the hospital more frequently and have more frequent blood tests and CT scans. Some patients find this reassuring.

Are there any risks or drawbacks?

With any trial, as with any cancer treatment, there is a risk that the treatment could cause unwanted side effects or the treatment you receive on the trial may not benefit you. You could get unpleasant or unexpected side effects. During the trial, researchers try to reduce these risks as much as possible.

Taking part in a trial may involve additional visits to the hospital which may be an inconvenience for you and your family.

Will it cost me anything to participate in a clinical trial

There will be no additional costs to you. Any additional tests associated with the trial will be paid for by the trial sponsor. You may have to visit the hospital more frequently as part of the trial and in this case, your travel expenses may be reimbursed. Please talk to the research nurse about this.

How long do trials last

Cancer trials typically last for many years. Depending on the phase of the trial there may be hundreds or even thousands of patients enrolled on it at many hospitals all over the world.

Your participation in the trial may last for a set number of weeks or months or for several years as we will continue to follow-up with you long after your treatment has stopped.

Can I withdraw from a trial

You are free to withdraw from a clinical trial at any time. Your participation is entirely voluntary. You will need to inform your research team of your desire to withdraw and they will discuss other treatment options with you. Your decision to withdraw will not affect your future care.

All patient’s data is protected as per GDPR, (the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Health Research Regulations 2018) & clinical trial legislation requirements.

Benefits vs Risks

Benefits

  • All cancer treatment and interventions offered to patients today have come about because of a clinical trial
  • Clinical trials provide more information on cancer types and how to best treat them. Some people choose to participate in a clinical trial in order to help future patients with the same condition
  • Clinical trials testing new treatments allow patients to access treatments that are not yet available to the public
  • Patients on a clinical trial may be more closely monitored than usual. This gives the patient more contact with their treating team

Risks

  • New treatments may not prove to be effective
  • Patients may be worried about participating in a clinical trial, as our understanding of how the patient’s cancer or body responds to the new treatment is limited
  • Clinical trials can be intensive and may require many visits to the centre for reviews, tests and scans. This may not be the best fit for some patients who live far away or have other work or family commitments

Cancer Research Patient Representative Group (PRG)

Are you or a family member, participating in Cancer Research in St James’s Hospital (SJH), Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) or Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT)?

Would you like to be a member of a Patient Representative Group (PRG)?

The PRG brings together people who have or are undergoing cancer research and care, to influence and contribute their perspective on cancer research in Ireland.

If you are interested in joining the group, or have any questions, please contact:

Ashley Bazin (Cancer trials team manager) - 01 4143822

Cancer Medicine (Medical Oncology)

The medical oncology service in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) works with colleagues across medical and surgical disciplines in the Hospital to diagnose and treat patients with cancer.  

Treatments for cancer include surgery, medication therapy including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, as well as newer techniques such as interventional radiology techniques. In medical oncology we use medications to treat cancer. This includes chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy, depending on the cancer type we are treating. Our oncologists also have a presence in Naas General Hospital where they run satellite clinics on a weekly basis.

We look after people with many types of cancer and related diseases, including:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Upper gastrointestinal tract cancer (oesophageal, stomach)
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Prostate cancer
  • Testicular cancer

Amber Oncology Day Ward (ODW)

The Amber Oncology Day ward is one of type two national designated National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy day units. Here, in the Oncology Dayward we work with valued colleagues across the HSE in the community and other hospitals across the country. 

The Oncology Dayward is a specialised medical facility that provides outpatient care and treatment for cancer patients. Patients visiting the Oncology Dayward typically do not require an overnight stay in hospital and receive treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and supportive care during the day. The goal of the Oncology Dayward is to provide comprehensive care in a comfortable and supportive environment while enabling patients to go home the same day. 

We also provide the Paxman Cold Cap machines and we have the ability to treat four patients with the cold cap at any one time. TUH was the first hospital in the country to use these cold cap machines to prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. 

How to find us https://www.tuh.ie/Adult-Services/How-to-find-us/

The Amber Oncology Day Unit is situated on the ground floor of the main hospital building, turn right onto Hospital Street (after lifts) and is the second turn to the left off the main Hospital Street when approaching from the main hospital entrance.

Main ODW contact numbers: 01 414 4255/ 01 414 4256

Mission Statement

The Amber Oncology Dayward aims to provide a safe and comfortable environment for cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. We strive to provide a high standard of care with a holistic approach to all our patients. The values and beliefs underpinning the ward are: Respect for the patient and for the independence and autonomy of each individual

  • We strive to provide a relaxed and friendly environment for patients, family members and staff
  • Each individual has the right to be treated with dignity and to participate in the decision making process in relation to needs, health, illness and treatment
  • We promote patient advocacy through effective communication, providing information and encouraging maximum participation in the decision making process.
  • We believe in the multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Each team member, whatever their role, contributes to patient care
  • Communication is recognised as vital within the team and involves members from the Hospital and community
  • We support our nursing practice through commitment and support for continuing professional development
  • All staff treat each other with respect and we recognise the value of each member of our team

Inpatient Service

Inpatient care is delivered to medical oncology patients in TUH by the consultant-led medical teams, nursing staff and allied health professionals including our oncology specific Dietitian and Medical Social Worker. This is delivered on inpatient wards throughout the Hospital.

Medical Team

Dr. Lynda Corrigan
Dr. Lynda Corrigan (Clinical Lead)
Dr. Lynda Corrigan is a consultant medical oncologist in TUH, also working within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group with a weekly clinic in Naas General Hospital, and working with colleagues in St. James’s Hospital to advance patients access to clinical trials across the hospital group.|

Dr. Corrigan was awarded the ISMO Advanced Oncology Fellowship and undertook this in the Royal Marsden Hospital in Surrey, UK. She has published original research in genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers in peer reviewed journals. Dr. Corrigan treats predominantly genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers and is a principal investigator in a number of clinical trials run through TUH

Professor Fergal Kelleher
Professor Fergal Kelleher
Professor Kelleher trained in melanoma in the world-famous Peter Mac Callum Cancer Institute, Melbourne, Australia prior to taking up appointment in 2016 as a Consultant Medical Oncologist. In St James's Hospital he is the Medical Oncology lead for melanoma as well as treating other cutaneous malignancies. He is co-clinical lead for the Cancer Immunology Research Theme TSJCI.

Professor Kelleher graduated from University College Cork and undertook initial training in surgery and internal medicine prior to specialising in Medical Oncology. Professor Kelleher is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Fellow of The Royal College of Physicians of London, and Associate Fellow Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He holds a Master of Science degree, and Medical Doctorate.

Professor Kelleher has over 55 publications in International Peer Reviewed Journals including Clinical Cancer Research, Cancer Letters, European Journal of Cancer, Annals of Internal Medicine, and Carcinogenesis. He has served as peer reviewer for over 50 journals including Proceedings of The Royal Society Transactions B, Cancer Research (AACR), and British Journal of Cancer. He is a principal investigator for Medical Oncology Clinical Trials in the sub-specialty of melanoma conducted in St James's Hospital & TUH.

Dr. Sebastian Trainor
Dr. Sebastian Trainor
Dr. Trainor is a Consultant Medical Oncologist in TUH and Naas General Hospital. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin and began his medical training in Ireland before moving to Leeds, UK, to take up Specialty Registrar training in Medical Oncology.  Whilst in Leeds he was awarded the Tony Bramall Fellowship during which he completed a laboratory-based PhD focusing on the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic targets in renal cell carcinoma.

He worked as a Consultant Medical Oncologist in St James University Hospital in Leeds during which he was involved in a number of clinical trials in breast cancer.  He returned home to Ireland to take up his current post where he has a subspecialist interest in lung and thoracic malignancies.  He continues to have a particular interest in bringing clinical trial opportunities for patients with cancer in Ireland.  He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and a Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Professor Ray McDermott
Professor Ray McDermott
Professor McDermott trained in Medical Oncology in Dublin during which time he completed an MBA in Health Services Management. From there, he went to the Institut Curie, Paris where he earned a PhD. He completed his clinical training at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia where he furthered an interest in Genito-Urinary Oncology. He then returned to Ireland as Consultant Medical Oncologist.

Professor McDermott subsequently took over as Clinical Lead of Cancer Trials Ireland and facilitated an organisational restructure with appointment of an independent Board of Directors and development of a strategic vision for cancer trials in Ireland. He then successfully led the grant renewal programme with an award of €9,000,000 over three years. 

He continues to pursue research interests in genito-urinary and pancreas cancer and has received awards to run clinical trials in Ireland with associated funding of several million euros. He has devised and been national co-ordinator on multiple clinical studies. He is currently accruing patients to over 30 studies and estimates to accrue 15% of patients see on trial.

In 2016, he was appointed Clinical Professor in Medical Oncology by University College Dublin. He is committed to improving outcomes for Irish patients with cancer through clinical and translational research.
Dr. John Greene
Dr. John Greene
Dr. Greene is a medical oncologist who attends the GI Cancer MDM at Tallaght University and runs a satellite oncology clinic at Naas Hospital

Our Nursing Team

Nurses play an important role in caring for patients and bring knowledge, experience, and expertise to your care. There are currently two oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) in TUH, who work closely with our medical consultants. Their aim is to meet your needs and support your family from the time you are diagnosed and throughout your treatment. You will meet your CNS at your first oncology outpatient appointment.  They will arrange for an education session to discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan in detail, possible side effects of treatment and get answers to any questions you have. You will also be given contact details for your CNS.

Your CNS coordinates and plans all the tests and appointments you need before your first treatment. They also act as a communication link between patients and the rest of the oncology team.

We also have an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who runs a testicular cancer survivorship clinic and an immunotherapy toxicity clinic. On the ODW we have a Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM 2) and three CNS’s along with highly experienced staff nurses with training in cancer care.  

The Acute Oncology Service Telephone Helpline  

This is a telephone helpline for patients on active anti-cancer treatment led by a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Oncology Department. It is a point of contact should you have any side effects from treatments received. The service is available to those on active treatment, up to eight weeks post chemotherapy and up to 12 months post Immunotherapy.

The introduction of this nurse-led service is invaluable for cancer patients as where possible they can avoid attendance to the Emergency Department. Patients are triaged, assessed, managed and referred on or discharged home in a timely manner.

The service is available Monday – Friday 07:30am – 4pm (01) 414 4904

Between 4pm- 5pm Oncology Day Ward (01) 414 4255

After 5pm and at weekends (01) 414 2000 and ask for the Oncology/Haematology Registrar on call

Clinical Trials & Research  

Clinical trials can offer patients new treatments that are not yet widely available.

We coordinate a number of clinical trials in oncology and haematology in the clinical trials research unit in the Hospital. They are managed by our very experienced team, including clinical staff (oncology and haematology consultants, research nurses and pharmacists & pharmacy technicians) and non-clinical staff (data management and administration).  See our Clinical Trials Research Unit page here for more information.

For more information on clinical trials in Ireland see:

  • Cancer Trials Ireland (All Ireland Cooperative Oncology Research Group)

https://www.cancertrials.ie/

  • Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association – Clinical Trials

https://www.ipha.ie/code-of-practice-clinical-trials-and-regulatory/

Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT)

Treatment for cancer has changed dramatically in the past number of years. Where once there was only a very limited number of treatments, patients now have access to an array of options depending on their specific cancer.

Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatments include: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatments and antibody treatments.  They are given in different ways – by vein (intravenously), under the skin (subcutaneously) or by mouth (tablet form).

Please use caution when searching for treatment information online. There are many trusted resources such as the Irish Cancer society; Chemocare; Macmillan and Cancer Research UK that we recommend. Your oncology nurse will also be happy to give you further advice regarding alternative resources if required. We have included some links to trusted websites below, regarding the topics listed.

Irish Cancer Society
Chemocare
Macmillan and Cancer Research UK

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment for cancer that works by directly killing cancer cells with different substances. Chemotherapy is delivered to you in a number of ways. Your treatment will be explained to you in detail by the oncology nurse specialist or a Daffodil Centre representative before your first treatment.

Depending on the type of chemotherapy you are getting, you may need to take new medications to prevent some of the possible side effects of chemotherapy. You can find more detailed information about chemotherapy through the links below

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/types-of-treatment/chemotherapy#:~:text=Chemotherapy%20is%20usually%20given%20as,a%20cycle%20of%20your%20treatment

What is Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is a treatment that helps your body to defend itself against cancer. It works with your immune system to fight and destroy cancer cells and is mostly delivered intravenously.

Immunotherapy videos

Patient FAQs, treatment information and more, please see Immunotherapy videos here

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/patient-education/immunotherapy-and-targeted-therapies

Immunotherapy booklet

See Immunotherapy booklet for helpful information:

https://www.esmo.org/content/download/124130/2352601/1/ESMO-Patient-Guide-on-Immunotherapy-Side-Effects.pdf

Antibody Therapies

Antibody therapies can be used to treat certain forms of cancer. Antibodies can be found naturally in our blood and help us to fight infection. Monoclonal Antibody therapy involves monoclonal antibodies produced in a laboratory.  They can help to enhance, mimic or restore the way your own immune system attacks cancer cells.  If your consultant feels that this is a treatment which may be suited to your cancer, they will discuss this option in detail with you.

Targeted Therapies

Targeted drug therapies target specific parts of cancer cells which are different to normal cells within the body. By doing this, they can help to stop cancer from spreading, slow its growth or even destroy the cells.

There are many types of targeted therapies. Each of these has specific effects which can be used to treat cancer. Different targeted therapies work in very different ways. If targeted therapy is an option for your particular cancer, your consultant will discuss this with you in detail.

Supportive Treatment

Many cancer treatments can cause side effects but supportive medications can be prescribed to prevent or treat these side effects. You may be given a prescription for these supportive medications when or before you start treatment.

You should bring this prescription to your local pharmacy to be dispensed. If you have a medical card, your GP will transfer the prescription to a medical card prescription

The Oncology Service & What to Expect

Each patient has an individualised treatment plan devised by your consultant based on international guidelines.  Therefore you will see other patients who will be on different types of treatment plans to your own.

Generally, you will have a scan every three to four months depending on your treatment and type of cancer.  This determines how the treatment is working for you.  You will see an oncology doctor in the outpatients department with your consultant present in the week or two after your scan and they will give you a plan regarding your treatment.  It is a good idea to bring a family member to this meeting so that you and they can also ask any questions you might have.

What to Expect on the Oncology Day Ward

An oncology nurse will assess you each time you attend the oncology day ward to review if you are feeling well enough to have treatment that day.  This includes having blood tests, having your vital signs taken and discussing how you are feeling.  The nurse will also assess any symptoms you may have had since your last treatment.  A doctor is always available in the Oncology Dayward should you need further assessment.

Occasionally, if you are not well enough, or if your blood tests are not within a safe limit, your treatment might be delayed for a few days.   This will always be discussed with your consultant. Before each appointment, it is necessary to have blood tests to make sure that it is safe to continue with the treatment that day. These blood tests are performed in the phlebotomy department in the Hospital or with the Community Intervention Team (CIT) the day before your treatment if applicable.  Sometimes the blood tests are taken in the oncology dayward on the day of your treatment.  

We will go through all of this with you before your treatment starts. Each patient will be seated in the main treatment area of the oncology dayward.   To reduce the risk of infection and to ensure privacy, no visitors are allowed in the main treatment area unless it is discussed and agreed with the nurse manager.

Once your blood tests have been processed and checked by the nurse, your individual treatment will be ordered from the pharmacy.   It will take some time to be prepared in the pharmacy and delivered to the oncology dayward.  Therefore you will generally be in the oncology dayward for several hours each visit, depending on the length of your treatment and whether the blood tests have been done in advance.

If your blood tests show that you need an extra infusion to have blood products or nutrients replaced before or after your treatment, this will also add time to your visit. If you are taking your treatment in tablet form, you will also need to attend regularly for blood tests and an assessment by an oncology nurse to make sure that you are feeling well enough to continue the dose you are on.

What to bring to the oncology dayward

Every time you attend the Hospital for an appointment you should bring a list of all your current medications. You can download the My Medicines leaflet here: (https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/nqpsd/patient-safety-programme/medication-safety/my-medicines-list-jan-2020.pdf)   

Please use this to keep an up to date record of your medicines. Remember to include any herbal medicines or supplements and any over-the counter medicines. It is very important that you bring this list to your oncology appointments so that your doctors, nurses and pharmacists know what medicines you are taking. This is because some medications and supplements can interact with cancer treatments.

Bring something to read or your phone or tablet so that you can pass the time online but you must always bring headphones if you wish to listen to a podcast, radio or film while in the oncology day ward. A phone charger may also be useful. Insurance information/ medical card information is also helpful. You will be provided with refreshments including lunch while you are on the oncology dayward but you can bring your own snacks if you prefer.   

Patient Support Resources

ARC https://www.arccancersupport.ie/

ARC is an Irish charity dedicated to supporting people diagnosed with cancer, their family members, friends and carers. The support is holistic and includes counselling, psychological support and complementary treatments.

ARC is for any person diagnosed with cancer, no matter where they live or where they are being treated. It is also for:

  • Family members and friends of those diagnosed with cancer
  • Parents whose children have cancer
  • Members of the caring professions who work with people with cancer
  • Children whose parent (or other significant adult in their lives) has cancer

See the ARC House website below for more information.

Daffodil Centres

Daffodil Centres are part of the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer support service. They provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by or worried about cancer and help them cope with the impact it is having on their lives.

Find out more information about the Daffodil Centre in TUH or visit the Irish Cancer Society website here: https://www.cancer.ie/

Citizens Advice Information

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/

General Dietary advice

Diet and Cancer

Cancer and its treatments can alter how the body uses nutrition and in some cases, how much nutrition your body requires. Often your energy needs increase, and your food intake decreases due to a poor appetite or other symptoms. This results in weight loss. Even if you are eating a normal amount of food, your body might not properly use the nutrients or burn energy faster than usual.

Oncology dietitians play an important role in helping you if you are struggling to eat and are losing weight during your treatment. They also help in providing advice on managing the side effects of your treatment and your cancer so that we can improve your nutritional wellbeing.

Nutrition & Dietetics service for Oncology

Inpatient service:

There is a dietetics service for oncology patients who are admitted to TUH. A dietitian can help those who are unwell to eat well and meet their nutritional needs during illness. This may involve helping people by advising nourishing foods and drinks, oral nutritional supplements and in some cases this may involve tube feeding or intravenous nutrition.

Oncology Dayward

Patients attending the oncology day ward are screened by nurses who may refer you on to the dietitian should it be required. A dietitian may then give tailored and practical advice to help you manage any dietary concerns relating to your cancer, cancer treatment or longer term treatment side effects. This might include:

  • Concerns about your weight
  • Manging gastrointestinal symptoms e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, wind, bloating and pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
  • Eating well when you are living with cancer and beyond

General tips for eating whilst on treatment

  • Eat nutritious snacks and meals regularly during the day rather than three main meals – eat every three hours / four to six times a day. Focus on a little and often approach to eating.
  • Make the most of your appetite to eat nutritious, high-energy foods and drinks.
  • Fortify/ add extra goodness to each meal
    • Add fats and calories by using full-fat dairy products, oils and frying or roasting some foods.
  • Ask your doctor or dietitian about build-up drinks.
  • Try to plan ahead so you have the right foods at home.

Useful evidence-based resources

Irish cancer society website

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-support/coping-with-cancer/information-for-patients/diet-advice-for-cancer-patients

Breakthrough Cancer Research

https://breakthroughcancerresearch.ie/cancer-diet/

Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI)

https://www.indi.ie/all-food-facts-and-fact-sheets.html#Medical%20Conditions

Exercise and Cancer

Physical activity is part of your cancer treatment.  You will get more advice on what type of exercise to do when you attend the oncology service. You don’t need to become a marathon runner or join the gym to be more active – you don’t even have to leave your home!

Anything that gets you a bit warmer, slightly out of breath, and your heart beating faster counts. The benefits of physical activity include:

  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Reducing the risk of cancer and being able to tolerate your cancer treatment better
  • Reducing fatigue and some other side effects of cancer and your treatment
  • Improving mood and reducing stress
  • Reducing the risk of heart disease
  • Reducing the risk of osteoarthritis
  • Reducing the risk of dementia and depression
  • Reducing the risk of falls in older adults
  • Socialising
  • Learning new skills

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-prevention/physical-activity-and-cancer#:~:text=Physical%20activity%20reduces%20your%20cancer%20risk,-There%20is%20clear&text=It%20may%20also%20help%20prevent,can%20do%20for%20your%20health.

Home exercises for cancer patients and survivors

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/treatment/coping-with-treatment/changes-in-weight

Why being active is good for me?