Candy, Sweets and Halloween Treats: Common Side Effects of Pediatric Cancer

Cancer treatment often comes with many unfortunate side effects. On special days like Halloween, where candy and treats take center stage, food-related side effects can make a child who is battling cancer feel left out at an already challenging time.

If your child or a child in your community is being treated for cancer, take some time to identify any side effects related to appetite and taste that they may be experiencing. Nausea, dry mouth, and swallowing issues are all common side effects of cancer treatments. With a little forethought, and some simple modifications and tricks you can help make sure that Halloween is a treat for all!

Strange Taste to Foods

Some chemotherapy medications and radiation therapies may cause changes in the way things taste. These taste changes may result in lack-of-taste or a metallic or acidic taste.

• Acidic foods can help stimulate the taste buds so try offering acidic or fruit flavored candies like Skittles, Starburst, Lemonheads or Sour Patch Kids.

Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are a common challenge for cancer patients which can result in oral discomfort and pain with swallowing. If a child is dealing with mouth sores, but still feels up to eating a little candy, look for creamy candies served at room temperature.

• Milk chocolate bars, Hershey Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups all have mild flavors and textures that may be appealing to children with mouth sores.

Nausea, Loss of Appetite, and Digestive Challenges

Another common side effect of cancer treatment is a loss of appetite, which occurs when you are not feeling hunger cues in the way you normally would. Children may also feel nauseous or have more upsetting digestive symptoms.

• Prepare to eat treats by eating small meals and frequent snacks throughout the day. Candy on an empty stomach can enhance digestive symptoms.

• Offering non-food treats such as stickers, small toys, or pencils to trick-or-treaters can help children with any food-related concerns participate and feel included. If your child will be trick-or-treating in your community talk to your neighbors about having some non-candy items on hand.

For more information about managing food-related cancer treatment side-effects visit this nutrition resource page from the Culinary Fights Cancer Foundation