Cancerbackup: Too tired

Skip the page content navigation if you do not require links to content sections within this page.

Page Content Navigation

Skip the main banner if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Page Banner

Want to speak to a specialist cancer nurse? Call free on 0808 800 1234



The best cancer information for everyone.
Cancerbackup has merged with Macmillan. Together we can provide a wealth of high quality information about cancer.


Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.


Too tired to cook or eat

This is the time to rely on quick convenience foods such as frozen meals, tinned foods, boil-in-the-bag meals and takeaways. Remember, though, to defrost frozen foods thoroughly and to cook all foods properly to avoid any risk of food poisoning. Read cooking instructions carefully and stick to them.

If you know in advance the times you are likely to feel tired, for example after radiotherapy treatment, then you could try to plan ahead to help you through these times. If you have a freezer, you could prepare food while you are feeling active and freeze it for when you are more tired. You could stock up on convenience foods.

This is also a good opportunity to give friends and family the chance to help you by doing some shopping or cooking.

If you really cannot face eating, have one of the nourishing drinks instead.

If you feel you need more help at home with your cooking or eating, tell your GP or contact the dietitian at your hospital. They may be able to arrange meals-on-wheels or a home help for you.


Content last reviewed: 01 April 2006
Page last modified: 28 June 2006

Get support

Look for other people in the same situation on our What Now? community - read their blogs or talk to them in our chat rooms.

Find out about other ways to get support on the main Macmillan website.

Resources