Oncology Nutrition Therapy

What is oncology nutrition therapy?

Some cancer treatments can result in difficulty eating, weight changes, or changes to a patient's nutritional needs. Oncology nutrition therapy, provided by a registered dietitian at Baptist Cancer Center, aims to optimize nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. Our outpatient nutritionist is a registered dietitian that is certified in oncology nutrition (CSO), who can help patients understand how cancer treatment affects their ability to eat, and how to stay well nourished, no matter what the stage of treatment.

Baptist Cancer Center also has registered dietitians on staff for all of the inpatient oncology units who take a proactive approach with patients by monitoring for weight changes and nutrition problems while patients are admitted to the hospital.

After patients are discharged from the hospital, our outpatient nutritionist, a registered dietitian and a board-certified specialist in oncology nutrition, will help you maintain a healthy diet through every stage of treatment. The nutritionist helps patients understand how cancer treatment affects their ability to eat, and how to stay well-nourished throughout your cancer journey.

Who can benefit from oncology nutrition therapy?

Baptist Cancer Center offers individualized counseling sessions to help patients with side-effect management, eating difficulties, unwanted weight changes and many other nutrition problems. 

Patients may benefit from oncology nutrition therapy if they are experiencing any of the following issues:

• Unintentional weight changes
• Poor appetite
• Feeling full too quickly
• Dehydration
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Changes in how food tastes
• Difficulty absorbing nutrients
• Radiation to any area of the head, neck or digestive tract
• A low bacteria diet
• Medication-related high blood sugar
• Concerns about how to plan a healthier diet

Our nutritionist uses evidence-based research to develop individualized nutrition plans to help patients overcome issues associated with eating and maintain a healthy weight. As part of the multidisciplinary approach to care at Baptist Cancer Center, the nutritionist works in collaboration with your health care team to incorporate your customized nutrition plan into your ongoing treatment.

If you're experiencing any of the issues listed above, talk to your doctor about oncology nutrition therapy at Baptist Cancer Center.

Learn more about oncology nutrition

Eating healthy is a common challenge during cancer treatment. And even if you are not experiencing issues with eating during your cancer journey, it is always helpful to hear from experts on how to create and maintain a healthy diet regimen. 

Baptist Cancer Center hosts monthly discussion groups led by an oncology nutritionist covering a wide range of topics. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. Ask your nurse navigator how you can attend these informative discussion groups.