Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the perception of outpatients undergoing cancer treatment about the act of feeding, to investigate dietary changes regarding and how they deal with patients' physical and dietary restrictions in relation to diseases and / or treatment. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative-qualitative study, conducted with adult patients undergoing nutritional monitoring at an oncology hospital in Belém, Pará. A form with eight questions about the perception of the act of feeding in the face of the challenges imposed by cancer treatment, clinical and sociodemographic data was applied. Results: Twenty-four cancer patients aged 29 to 80 years participated, the majority being adults (70.8%). There was a prevalence of women (79.2%), patients with breast cancer (45.8%) and undergoing post-surgical treatment (58.3%). Physiological and/or sensory changes affect patient’s diet, causing dissatisfaction and sadness with the dietary changes. Compromised health and the health problems caused by treatment and changes in the diet have an emotional impact leading the majority to seek support from religion, family, friends or health professionals (95.2%). Conclusion: Changes in diet and the restrictions imposed cause dissatisfaction and have an influence on life quality, although most agree that an adequate nutrition reduces the problems and is related to recovery.