How an Oncology Dietitian Can Help When You Have Cancer
Hear from two of our oncology dietitians about how dietary changes can support you as you go through cancer treatment. Then, explore our nutrition videos for more information about healthy, research-based nutrition interventions and other tips.
Benefits of Nutrition Counseling During Cancer Care
Both patients with cancer and their loved ones can benefit from specialized nutrition counseling services. Our oncology dietitian provides simple, practical ways to keep your body nourished and strong throughout treatment and recovery. Nutrition counseling helps with:
- Managing cancer treatment side effects
- Enhancing quality of life
- Supporting strength and immune function
- Eating an adequate amount of calories, even when it’s hard to eat
- Preventing unplanned weight loss or weight gain
- Establishing healthy, lifelong eating habits
- Reducing risk of cancer in the future with cancer fighting foods
In some instances, patients require alternative means of nutrition, including tube feeding or parenteral (IV) feeding. Our oncology dietitian is a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician and provides education and close monitoring for patients who are navigating these types of feedings at home.
Who Can Benefit from Nutrition Counseling?
Nutrition counseling is for:
- Patients currently receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy at El Camino Health
- Former Cancer Center patients, within one year of their last cancer treatment
Talk with your care team if you’re interested in meeting with our oncology dietitian.