Cancer/Oncology Nutritionists and Dietitians in 60804

Photo of Madeline Butler-Sanchez, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Madeline Butler-Sanchez
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Serves Area
Are you looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your health but don’t know how? Are you also tired of trying everything, and your health conditions are the same or even worse? I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I’m a bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and plant-based expert, passionate about helping patients change their lifestyle to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases. With mindfulness and respect, we can work together to achieve your nutritional goals, offering personalized nutrition recommendations based on your preferences, needs, schedule, and more.
Are you looking to make lifestyle changes to improve your health but don’t know how? Are you also tired of trying everything, and your health conditions are the same or even worse? I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I’m a bilingual Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and plant-based expert, passionate about helping patients change their lifestyle to prevent, treat, and manage chronic diseases. With mindfulness and respect, we can work together to achieve your nutritional goals, offering personalized nutrition recommendations based on your preferences, needs, schedule, and more.
(331) 321-7017 View (331) 321-7017

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

Photo of Nicole Buchanan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Nicole Buchanan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Nicole has significant experience managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition, oncology, hyperlipidemia, weight management, mindful eating, intuitive eating, malnutrition, and hyperemesis gravidarum.
Nicole is a registered dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. Nicole helps them develop long-term strategies that prioritize prevention, manage existing conditions, and support a healthier, more vibrant life.
Nicole has significant experience managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, enteral and parenteral nutrition, oncology, hyperlipidemia, weight management, mindful eating, intuitive eating, malnutrition, and hyperemesis gravidarum.
Nicole is a registered dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. These clients may be managing, or hoping to prevent, chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obesity. Nicole helps them develop long-term strategies that prioritize prevention, manage existing conditions, and support a healthier, more vibrant life.
(659) 247-2042 View (659) 247-2042
Photo of Caitlyn Dmoch, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
Caitlyn Dmoch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60625
Caitlyn specializes in nutrition therapy for GI conditions, surgery, nutrition support (tube feeding and TPN), food allergies, ALS, weight gain for malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, mindful eating, cancer, diabetes, heart health, bariatric surgery, weight loss, and meal planning for eating on the go.
Caitlyn is a Registered Dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. She understands that each person's relationship with food is deeply personal and strives to work alongside you in partnership. Caitlyn strongly believes that education is the key to meaningful behavior change, empowering her clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. She is ready to be your partner on your health journey, making the process achievable, sustainable, and—most importantly—enjoyable!
Caitlyn specializes in nutrition therapy for GI conditions, surgery, nutrition support (tube feeding and TPN), food allergies, ALS, weight gain for malnutrition or unintentional weight loss, mindful eating, cancer, diabetes, heart health, bariatric surgery, weight loss, and meal planning for eating on the go.
Caitlyn is a Registered Dietitian who works with clients ready to take charge of their health and make lasting changes. She understands that each person's relationship with food is deeply personal and strives to work alongside you in partnership. Caitlyn strongly believes that education is the key to meaningful behavior change, empowering her clients with the information they need to make informed decisions. She is ready to be your partner on your health journey, making the process achievable, sustainable, and—most importantly—enjoyable!
(206) 590-4794 View (206) 590-4794
Photo of Brayden Goldblatt, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Brayden Goldblatt
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Brayden’s specialties include weight management, weight loss/gain, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart-healthy nutrition therapy, oncology, enteral nutrition, as well as intuitive eating, disordered eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), mindful eating, and general wellness.
Brayden is a registered dietitian with a passion for health and wellness. She supports clients through realistic, sustainable lifestyle changes using a compassionate, inclusive, and client-centered approach. Brayden blends evidence-based nutrition with practical habits to help clients feel their best in the long term. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space for exploring goals and challenges, offering personalized counseling and education to build lasting, meaningful change.
Brayden’s specialties include weight management, weight loss/gain, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart-healthy nutrition therapy, oncology, enteral nutrition, as well as intuitive eating, disordered eating, Health at Every Size (HAES), mindful eating, and general wellness.
Brayden is a registered dietitian with a passion for health and wellness. She supports clients through realistic, sustainable lifestyle changes using a compassionate, inclusive, and client-centered approach. Brayden blends evidence-based nutrition with practical habits to help clients feel their best in the long term. She creates a safe, non-judgmental space for exploring goals and challenges, offering personalized counseling and education to build lasting, meaningful change.
(971) 365-3205 View (971) 365-3205
Photo of Riley Maloney, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Riley Maloney
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Binge Eating Disorder, Sports Nutrition, Oncology and Hematology Nutrition, Pediatrics, GI Conditions/Digestive Problems (IBD, IBS), Acid Reflux (GERD), Crohn's,Diabetes, Food Intolerance, Exercise Addiction, Hormonal Imbalance, Thyroid Conditions.
Riley’s approach to care is rooted in developing a strong rapport with the client and making client’s feel safe and heard. Per her nutrition philosophy, Riley believes in nutrition care that is a mutual conversation where a client can have a say in their care, as this will lead to more sustainable, long-term progress; additionally, Riley practices from a non-diet and Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective for all clients, regardless of diagnosis. Riley prioritizes individualized treatment, tailoring interventions to meet clients developmental, financial, physical and emotional needs.
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), Binge Eating Disorder, Sports Nutrition, Oncology and Hematology Nutrition, Pediatrics, GI Conditions/Digestive Problems (IBD, IBS), Acid Reflux (GERD), Crohn's,Diabetes, Food Intolerance, Exercise Addiction, Hormonal Imbalance, Thyroid Conditions.
Riley’s approach to care is rooted in developing a strong rapport with the client and making client’s feel safe and heard. Per her nutrition philosophy, Riley believes in nutrition care that is a mutual conversation where a client can have a say in their care, as this will lead to more sustainable, long-term progress; additionally, Riley practices from a non-diet and Health At Every Size (HAES) perspective for all clients, regardless of diagnosis. Riley prioritizes individualized treatment, tailoring interventions to meet clients developmental, financial, physical and emotional needs.
(210) 791-9924 View (210) 791-9924
Photo of Brittany Payton, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Brittany Payton
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
Brittany Payton, RD, LD, is a licensed dietitian with over 19 years of experience helping clients heal chronic conditions using food as medicine. After facing her own health challenges, she adopted a root-cause, whole-body approach. Brittany blends functional nutrition, clinical insight, and compassion to create personalized, practical plans. She truly listens to each client, empowering them to make lasting change—no quick fixes or restrictive diets here.
(615) 909-4087 View (615) 909-4087
Photo of Casey Bramble, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
Casey Bramble
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LD
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60620
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
Casey is a compassionate Registered Dietitian (RD) dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being. Her ideal client is someone who is curious about improving their relationship with food and their body through sustainable nutrition practices.
(321) 475-6080 View (321) 475-6080
Photo of Kelly Duncombe, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Kelly Duncombe
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Meet Kelly, a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a passion for the profound connection between food, health, and the human body. Kelly's journey in the realm of nutrition has been fueled by her unwavering commitment to promoting well-being and her insatiable curiosity for learning. With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health. Her fascination with medical conditions drives her to continuously seek innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of those she serves and strives to empower others to make informed, healthier choices
Meet Kelly, a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a passion for the profound connection between food, health, and the human body. Kelly's journey in the realm of nutrition has been fueled by her unwavering commitment to promoting well-being and her insatiable curiosity for learning. With a heart that genuinely loves people, Kelly derives immense satisfaction from coaching and helping individuals on their path to better health. Her fascination with medical conditions drives her to continuously seek innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of those she serves and strives to empower others to make informed, healthier choices
(872) 259-6187 View (872) 259-6187
Photo of Kristin Paver, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Kristin Paver
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60616
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
As a dedicated and compassionate dietitian, Kristin specializes in helping her clients achieve their health and wellness goals through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. With a deep understanding that each individual’s dietary needs are unique, she tailors her approach to suit her client’s specific lifestyle, health conditions and goals. Kristin focuses on promoting intuitive eating and fostering a positive relationship with food, helping her clients to listen to their body’s cues and develop a more balanced and mindful approach to eating.
(205) 880-1640 View (205) 880-1640
Photo of Kristen Nyampong, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Kristen Nyampong
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Chicago, IL 60632
My name is Kristen Nyampong, and I’m a Registered Dietitian based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals in the BIPOC community and those who are vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward.
My name is Kristen Nyampong, and I’m a Registered Dietitian based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. I take a person-centered, trauma-informed, and weight-inclusive approach to care. I’m especially passionate about working with individuals in the BIPOC community and those who are vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward.
(331) 259-8859 View (331) 259-8859
Photo of Katie Gross, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
Katie Gross
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637
Katie specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Disordered Eating, Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormone Health (PCOS, etc.), Oncology Nutritional needs, Thyroid Disorders, Weight Management, Diabetes, General Healthy Eating, GERD, and interested in Sports Nutrition.
Katie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist that collaborates with all clients to create sustainable lifestyle changes that support their overall health and well-being. Food acts as fuel but also has the ability to cultivate memories, emotions and traditions. She believes that food should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. With an “all foods fit”, body positive approach, Katie focuses on identifying individual barriers and personal preferences as she works closely to establish confidence in clients reaching their unique goals.
Katie specializes in working with adults and adolescents with Disordered Eating, Digestive issues (IBS, IBD, Low FODMAP), Hormone Health (PCOS, etc.), Oncology Nutritional needs, Thyroid Disorders, Weight Management, Diabetes, General Healthy Eating, GERD, and interested in Sports Nutrition.
Katie is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist that collaborates with all clients to create sustainable lifestyle changes that support their overall health and well-being. Food acts as fuel but also has the ability to cultivate memories, emotions and traditions. She believes that food should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. With an “all foods fit”, body positive approach, Katie focuses on identifying individual barriers and personal preferences as she works closely to establish confidence in clients reaching their unique goals.
(612) 326-0011 View (612) 326-0011
Photo of Carly Leanza, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
Carly Leanza
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, LDN
6 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60619
Carly is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping people live their healthiest lives while fostering a positive relationship with food. She believes in taking a holistic approach to address the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and chronic conditions. Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
Carly is a Registered Dietitian who is passionate about helping people live their healthiest lives while fostering a positive relationship with food. She believes in taking a holistic approach to address the complex relationship between nutrition, mental health, and chronic conditions. Carly provides HAES-aligned care and emphasizes a non-diet approach for her nutrition counseling and evidenced-based interventions in several areas of health and nutrition, including but not limited to, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, weight management, heart health, and GI management.
(405) 267-4939 View (405) 267-4939
Photo of Randi Andres, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
Randi Andres
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60608
Randi Andres is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, PCOS, and Digestive Issues. Her passion is to help clients cultivate a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Through a non-diet, weight inclusive philosophy, Randi enjoys providing the tools and support to clients so that they can learn to nourish their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental, and enjoyable way. She believes that through integrating the principles of intuitive eating and health at every size, everyone can and deserves to achieve food freedom.
Randi Andres is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, PCOS, and Digestive Issues. Her passion is to help clients cultivate a more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies. Through a non-diet, weight inclusive philosophy, Randi enjoys providing the tools and support to clients so that they can learn to nourish their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental, and enjoyable way. She believes that through integrating the principles of intuitive eating and health at every size, everyone can and deserves to achieve food freedom.
(305) 614-9182 View (305) 614-9182
Photo of Steve Ziganto, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Steve Ziganto
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Woodridge, IL 60517
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
At our first session, the average person tells me "I know what I need to do, I just wish I had the willpower to do it." Many rely on sheer willpower to accomplish their goals instead of learning how to make nutrition a simple and enjoyable process. Nutrition is not supposed to be this hard or guilt-inducing. It should primarily mold around your general life and preferences, not the other way around. My main approach to accomplish this is to build a basic understanding on why your old habits do not work, and why these new habits will work.
(708) 840-8701 View (708) 840-8701
Photo of Heather Ritter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
Heather Ritter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LD
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60653
Specializes in Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, General Healthy Eating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBD, Low FODMAP, GI Conditions, Diverticulitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, High Blood Pressure, Oncology Nutrition, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Malnutrition, Gastroparesis, Underweight Nutrition, Baby Led Weaning, Hyper/Hypothyroidism, and Sports Nutrition.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
Specializes in Disordered Eating, Eating Disorders, General Healthy Eating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBD, Low FODMAP, GI Conditions, Diverticulitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, High Blood Pressure, Oncology Nutrition, Pre/Post Natal Nutrition, Malnutrition, Gastroparesis, Underweight Nutrition, Baby Led Weaning, Hyper/Hypothyroidism, and Sports Nutrition.
Heather is passionate about working collaboratively with her clients to help them heal their relationship with their body and food. She works with clients to facilitate changes that will improve overall quality of life. She believes that food and nutrition should not only support someone’s physical health, but their social, emotional, and mental health as well. Her own experiences have fueled her particular interest in intuitive eating, disordered eating and HAES aligned care. She loves working alongside clients to find creative ways to make food both nourishing and enjoyable.
(346) 248-2577 View (346) 248-2577
Photo of Jody Halouska, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Jody Halouska
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CDCES
Chicago, IL 60615
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
Jody is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and feeling your best. Jody is committed to empowering individuals to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. Jody strives to provide personalized guidance to help clients achieve their health goals and create a harmonious relationship with food. Recognizing that each individual's relationship with food is unique, Jody works to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel empowered to explore their dietary preferences, navigate challenges and cultivate sustainable habits that align with their goals and values.
(872) 259-7074 View (872) 259-7074
Photo of Abbie Widing, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Abbie Widing
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60616
Abbie is passionate about helping others improve their relationship with food, body image, weight, and health. She helps clients achieve positive changes in mental and physical well-being through nutrition counseling and education. Abbie provides personalized care tailored to your nutritional needs using a non-diet approach. She offers counseling in a supportive setting, using methods like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with tools such as hands-on activities and educational handouts.
Abbie is passionate about helping others improve their relationship with food, body image, weight, and health. She helps clients achieve positive changes in mental and physical well-being through nutrition counseling and education. Abbie provides personalized care tailored to your nutritional needs using a non-diet approach. She offers counseling in a supportive setting, using methods like motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with tools such as hands-on activities and educational handouts.
(659) 216-8557 View (659) 216-8557
Photo of Carra Joseph, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
Carra Joseph
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
Carra is a Registered Dietitian (RD) who recognizes that nutrition is both universal and deeply personal. Nutrition isn’t just about eating—culture, goals, preferences, and habits all shape how we fuel ourselves. Carra provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can connect nutrition and wellness and feel empowered to make sustainable changes.
(980) 575-0909 View (980) 575-0909
Photo of Julia Gibson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Julia Gibson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60608
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Diabetes, Cancer, Women's health, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, General Nutrition
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
Specialties include Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, Diabetes, Cancer, Women's health, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, General Nutrition
Julia is a dedicated Registered Dietitian with a commitment to helping individuals overcome eating disorders and cultivate a healthy relationship with food. Julia strives to bring a compassionate and non-judgmental demeanor to foster a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood, making her a ready and capable resource in the challenging but transformative process of overcoming nutrition challenges. Julia offers a wealth of knowledge that comes from years of working in the inpatient setting.
(312) 494-0401 View (312) 494-0401
Photo of Marcy Kirshenbaum, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLT
Marcy Kirshenbaum
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLT
1 Endorsed
Northbrook, IL 60062
As a clinical nutritionist, I offer individual nutritional counseling to help you make practical and sustainable changes specifically addressing your issues through a healthy lifestyle. You'll experience optimal health and wellness when your body functions are in balance. In our fast-paced, convenience focused lives, we are faced with many obstacles that take us off course-our lifestyle and the quality of our foods, for example. I specialize in gastrointestinal wellness and detoxification support. Gastrointestinal health plays a central role in all other body systems, while support of the body's detoxification mechanisms is critical in our world today.
As a clinical nutritionist, I offer individual nutritional counseling to help you make practical and sustainable changes specifically addressing your issues through a healthy lifestyle. You'll experience optimal health and wellness when your body functions are in balance. In our fast-paced, convenience focused lives, we are faced with many obstacles that take us off course-our lifestyle and the quality of our foods, for example. I specialize in gastrointestinal wellness and detoxification support. Gastrointestinal health plays a central role in all other body systems, while support of the body's detoxification mechanisms is critical in our world today.
(224) 231-6943 View (224) 231-6943
Cancer/Oncology Nutritionists and Dietitians
Why is nutrition important for cancer treatment?
Nutrition can play a key role in cancer treatment. The symptoms of cancer and its treatments—such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite—can lead to malnutrition, resulting in weight loss and potential nutrient deficiencies. This can hinder the patient's ability to combat cancer and respond effectively to treatment. Therefore, ensuring sufficient caloric intake is critical and may require specific dietary strategies to ensure high-enough caloric and protein intake. This might involve the consumption of high-calorie foods and beverages. In some cases, tube feeding may be required to ensure the patient receives sufficient calories during the cancer treatment process.

Can diet help prevent cancer?
Diet is a significant lifestyle factor that research has shown to influence the risk of certain cancers. One of the strongest links is between obesity and cancer, with about 4-8% of cancers being related to obesity. Specifically, breast, colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, kidney, and liver cancers are most strongly associated with obesity. Thus, maintaining a healthy diet that prevents obesity can be highly effective in reducing the risk of these cancers. Other than obesity, certain foods, such as processed meats, have been linked to colorectal cancer specifically. In general, lifestyle modifications that lower the risk of other chronic diseases, such as consuming a primarily plant-based diet and getting enough exercise, are also highly effective habits in reducing the risk of developing cancer.

Can cancer be cured with proper nutrition?
While there is no evidence to suggest that nutrition alone can cure cancer, a proper diet can be a crucial component of successful treatment for certain types of cancer. For cancers linked to obesity, weight loss through a healthy diet can lead to more positive treatment outcomes. Even for cancers not related to obesity, diet can still play a significant role by influencing the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. Most experts recommend that cancer patients focus on eating enough to prevent malnutrition, as maintaining sufficient strength is vital for the body to effectively combat cancer and respond to therapies such as chemotherapy. Thus, while nutrition is not a cure, it is an important part of the cancer recovery process.

What role does a dietitian play in a cancer patient's care team?
Because diet plays a significant role in the successful treatment of cancer, either through lifestyle modification or through the prevention of malnutrition, dietitians can be a crucial member of a cancer patient's care team. Dietitians who specialize in working with cancer patients often have a deep understanding of how certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can impact a patient's ability to meet their nutritional needs. They can thus assist patients in developing nutrition strategies that help alleviate common cancer treatment symptoms like nausea and vomiting. For patients with cancers linked to obesity, dietitians can suggest lifestyle modification strategies that aid in both the treatment process and lead to lasting positive changes after treatment.