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Oncology Nutrition Oncology Nutrition

Oncology Nutrition

Cancer treatment may affect your ability to eat and your nutritional needs. Our team of oncology registered dietitians at Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute is here to help. Throughout your cancer journey, we’re by your side giving you the information you need to navigate any side effects and assist with weight loss and/or weight gain.

To contact our oncology registered dietitians, please call: 561-955-2184.

  • Eating right, being active and maintaining a healthy weight are important ways to reduce the risk of cancer and to help fight the disease. Some simple lifestyle habits can make a difference — not only during your treatment, but for the rest of your life.

    According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), scientists estimate that about one in every three of the most common cancers could be prevented by eating healthy foods, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

    10 recommendations from the AICR Second Expert Report:

    1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
    2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
    3. Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods.
    4. Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes, such as beans.
    5. Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.
    6. If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to two per day for men and one per day for women.
    7. Limit consumption of salty foods and foods processed with salt (sodium).
    8. Don’t use supplements to protect against cancer.
    9. It is best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to six months and then add other liquids and foods.
    10. After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.

    Additional Global Web Links:

  • Lynn Cancer Institute offers three dietitians with two certified Oncology specialists to provide nutrition counseling services. They can teach you how proper diet and exercise can help you when battling cancer. You’re also welcome to consult with our registered dietitians if you experience cancer-related nutrition problems during your treatment.

    You may benefit from nutritional counseling if you:

    • Are receiving tube feedings or total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
    • Experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea for more than three days
    • Have been diagnosed with cachexia/anorexia
    • Have difficulty chewing or swallowing
    • Have experienced unintentional weight loss of more than two pounds in one week or more than 10 pounds over a six-month period
    • Are taking excessive herbal, vitamin or mineral supplements

    Additional information:

  • Different treatments may have different effects on your nutritional needs and ability to eat.

    SURGERY

    How it can affect eating:

    Increases the need for good nutrition. May slow digestion. May lessen the ability of your mouth, throat and stomach to work properly. Adequate nutrition helps wound-healing and recovery.

    Side effects:

    Before surgery, your physician may prescribe a high-protein, high-calorie diet if you’re underweight or weak. After surgery, you may not be able to eat normally at first. You may receive nutrients through a needle in your vein (such as in total parenteral nutrition), or through a tube in your nose or stomach.

    RADIATION THERAPY

    How it can affect eating:

    As it damages cancer cells, it also may affect healthy cells and healthy parts of your body.

    Side effects:

    Treatment of your head, neck or chest may cause: dry mouth, sore mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), change in taste of food, dental problems and/or increased phlegm. Treatment of your stomach or pelvis may cause: nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and/or bloating.

    CHEMOTHERAPY

    How it can affect eating:

    As it destroys cancer cells, it also may affect the digestive system and your desire or ability to eat.

    Side effects:

    Nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea. constipation, sore mouth or throat, weight gain or loss, and/or change in taste of food.

    BIOLOGICAL THERAPY (IMMUNOTHERAPY)

    How it can affect eating:

    As it stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells, it can affect your desire or ability to eat.

    Side effects:

    Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sore mouth, severe weight loss, dry mouth, change in taste of food, muscle aches, fatigue and/or fever.

    HORMONAL THERAPY

    How it can affect eating:

    Some types can increase appetite and change how the body handles fluids.

    Side effects:

    Changes in appetite and/or fluid retention.

  • Cancer treatment may affect your ability to digest, absorb and use food. If your treatment is causing dietary side effects, discuss it with your physician and healthcare team. There may be ways to ease your symptoms, such as changing treatment levels or drugs. A registered dietitian may also have suggestions to help minimize the side effects.

    Click here for strategies for coping with some of the side effects of treatment.

  • Get cancer-friendly recipes.

  • Get answers to frequently asked questions.

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Or call 561-955-5966

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