Cancer/Oncology Nutritionists and Dietitians in Chicago, IL

Photo of Caitlyn Dmoch, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
Caitlyn Dmoch
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CNSC
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60612
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 Emiliya Subev, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CSO, CNSC
Emiliya Subev
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, CSO, CNSC
Serves Area
Emiliya Subev is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist with Board Certification in Oncology Nutrition by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
I enjoy working with clients who are interested in learning about the role of nutrition in their well-being, energy level and overall health. I love seeing my client who struggled to lose weight their entire life end up reaching their most wanted body, looking and feeling at their best without starvation but by making manageable macronutrient modifications.
Emiliya Subev is a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist with Board Certification in Oncology Nutrition by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
I enjoy working with clients who are interested in learning about the role of nutrition in their well-being, energy level and overall health. I love seeing my client who struggled to lose weight their entire life end up reaching their most wanted body, looking and feeling at their best without starvation but by making manageable macronutrient modifications.
(847) 793-1074 View (847) 793-1074
Photo of Marla Brodsky - Luscious life nutrition, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, BCIM, IFNCP
Luscious life nutrition
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN, BCIM, IFNCP
Online Only
We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more.
I specialize in working with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Some of these include MS, thyroid, gastrointestinal conditions, weight loss, cancer, food allergy, and chronic conditions such as cardiac or diabetes.
We are learning that maintaining our gut health is the root of treating many diseases including autoimmune, inflammatory, skin, obesity, cancer, allergies, and more.
I specialize in working with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Some of these include MS, thyroid, gastrointestinal conditions, weight loss, cancer, food allergy, and chronic conditions such as cardiac or diabetes.
(773) 840-8159 View (773) 840-8159
Photo of Julia Gibson, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Julia Gibson
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
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 Abbie Widing, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
Abbie Widing
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
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 Adrienne DePaul, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
Adrienne DePaul
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who practices out of Health Loft helping clients whom have PCOS, interests in Pre/PostPartum nutrition, Gestational Diabetes, Diabetes, or Weight Management. I help clients to craft personalized, attainable, and sustainable dietary and lifestyle changes that support their health. By collaboratively designing small, impactful steps that preserve quality of life and promote personal choice, I help my clients achieve their goals from better blood sugar control to increased energy.
(312) 517-2296 View (312) 517-2296
Photo of Aby Fewel - My 3 Meals, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
My 3 Meals
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
Clients are often tired of rigid food rules and constant dieting. It can be overwhelming to be expected to change the way you eat overnight. Many times, your doctor gives limited information about what to eat and does not always have the time to go into detail about what the means for your day-to-day life.
(312) 766-8197 View (312) 766-8197
Photo of Heather Ritter, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
Heather Ritter
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
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. Through evidence-based practice and individualized care,
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. Through evidence-based practice and individualized care,
(513) 548-3968 View (513) 548-3968
Photo of Nicole Buchanan, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
Nicole Buchanan
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60623
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 Emmy Bright, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Emmy Bright
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CD, LDN
Chicago, IL 60606
Hi there! I'm Emmy Bright, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with a weight-neutral and non-diet approach to nutrition & health. I specialize in providing HAES-based medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including GI Disorders (IBS, Celiac, GERD, & many more), Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, Heart Health, Pregnancy, Menopause, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Food Allergies, and Autoimmune Conditions. I also specialize in working with clients who have or have had Disordered Eating, Body Image Issues, Chronic Dieting, and/or Eating Disorders (binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID).
Hi there! I'm Emmy Bright, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with a weight-neutral and non-diet approach to nutrition & health. I specialize in providing HAES-based medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including GI Disorders (IBS, Celiac, GERD, & many more), Thyroid Disorders, PCOS, Diabetes, Heart Health, Pregnancy, Menopause, Vegan/Vegetarian Diets, Food Allergies, and Autoimmune Conditions. I also specialize in working with clients who have or have had Disordered Eating, Body Image Issues, Chronic Dieting, and/or Eating Disorders (binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, ARFID).
(608) 535-6692 View (608) 535-6692
Photo of Ruth Thompson Murillo, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
Ruth Thompson Murillo
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, LD
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a registered dietitian with over 13 years of experience helping individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and achieve their goals. I practice with empathy and understanding in a nonjudgmental environment where you can truly be yourself and trust that you will be fully supported.
I am a registered dietitian with over 13 years of experience helping individuals make lifestyle changes to improve their health and achieve their goals. I practice with empathy and understanding in a nonjudgmental environment where you can truly be yourself and trust that you will be fully supported.
(310) 340-7226 View (310) 340-7226
Photo of Haleigh Mann, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Haleigh Mann
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Haleigh is a registered dietitian who is passionate about helping her clients discover their love for food and their bodies. Haleigh provides evidence-based nutrition education and works to empower clients to make realistic changes that work with their unique lifestyles and preferences. Haleigh approaches each client personally and individually. She has an anti-diet, all-foods-fit, trauma-informed approach to care. She enjoys the challenge of working closely with each client to meet their goals and live their best life while building a healthier relationship with food and their body.
Haleigh is a registered dietitian who is passionate about helping her clients discover their love for food and their bodies. Haleigh provides evidence-based nutrition education and works to empower clients to make realistic changes that work with their unique lifestyles and preferences. Haleigh approaches each client personally and individually. She has an anti-diet, all-foods-fit, trauma-informed approach to care. She enjoys the challenge of working closely with each client to meet their goals and live their best life while building a healthier relationship with food and their body.
(640) 209-4955 View (640) 209-4955
Photo of Madeleine Hutchison, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Madeleine Hutchison
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Taking the first step to heal your relationship with food and body can feel overwhelming! My goal is to ensure that you don’t have to walk that path alone. I am a dietitian with experience working with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. I believe the right path forward looks different for each person. Therefore, I take a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach. This is achieved through modeling genuine curiosity and empathy. Together, we will identify strategies that help you reclaim your health while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
Taking the first step to heal your relationship with food and body can feel overwhelming! My goal is to ensure that you don’t have to walk that path alone. I am a dietitian with experience working with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns. I believe the right path forward looks different for each person. Therefore, I take a trauma-informed and patient-centered approach. This is achieved through modeling genuine curiosity and empathy. Together, we will identify strategies that help you reclaim your health while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.
(206) 693-4243 View (206) 693-4243
Photo of Kenna Kita, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
Kenna Kita
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
When the majority of your thoughts constantly revolve around food, your body, or your weight, it can feel like you’re constantly battling with yourself. It’s exhausting- and it’s not your fault. Diet culture thrives on disconnecting you from your body’s wisdom, leaving you stuck in cycles of shame, confusion, and self-blame. You deserve better. I’m here to help you tune back into yourself: to rebuild trust with your body, make peace with food, and reclaim your energy for things that actually matter in your life.
When the majority of your thoughts constantly revolve around food, your body, or your weight, it can feel like you’re constantly battling with yourself. It’s exhausting- and it’s not your fault. Diet culture thrives on disconnecting you from your body’s wisdom, leaving you stuck in cycles of shame, confusion, and self-blame. You deserve better. I’m here to help you tune back into yourself: to rebuild trust with your body, make peace with food, and reclaim your energy for things that actually matter in your life.
(206) 745-4315 View (206) 745-4315
Photo of Charlotte Hammond - Eating With Ease , Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, RYT
Eating With Ease
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, RYT
Serves Area
From the solace of your home, I will work with you to use food as medicine and put short and long term diet-based solutions into action. As an Integrative and Functional Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, I can use nutrition science with labs, genetics, and your observations to help you not only get well but feel better for life! Common issues I help people with include digestive problems, PCOS, testosterone support, DIABETES, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, hypothyroidism, sensitivity-related illness, and weight management. However, if you have no named illness and just feel awful, I am here for you.
From the solace of your home, I will work with you to use food as medicine and put short and long term diet-based solutions into action. As an Integrative and Functional Dietitian and Diabetes Educator, I can use nutrition science with labs, genetics, and your observations to help you not only get well but feel better for life! Common issues I help people with include digestive problems, PCOS, testosterone support, DIABETES, high blood pressure, anxiety/depression, hypothyroidism, sensitivity-related illness, and weight management. However, if you have no named illness and just feel awful, I am here for you.
(312) 561-4896 View (312) 561-4896
Photo of Carra Joseph, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
Carra Joseph
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LRD, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
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 Jenny Antony, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
Jenny Antony
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, LD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specialties Include: Pediatrics, Weight Gain, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disordered Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Cancer, Diabetes, Transplant, Weight Loss, Weight Management, and General Nutrition
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
Specialties Include: Pediatrics, Weight Gain, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Disordered Eating, Pre/Postnatal Nutrition, Mindful and Intuitive Eating, Cancer, Diabetes, Transplant, Weight Loss, Weight Management, and General Nutrition
Jenny is a registered dietitian who has helped people manage their nutrition and weight through some of the most critical times of their lives. She has worked with conditions including weight loss, pregnancy, postpartum, poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, gastrointestinal disease, congenital heart disease, transplant, and inborn errors of metabolism. She loves working with children and adults alike and believes there is something to learn from every client she meets. Jenny strives to be a good listener and understand her clients' goals and struggles.
(904) 595-9730 View (904) 595-9730
Photo of Ashley Fortenberry, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD/RDN, LDN, CDN, CDCES, IFNCP
Ashley Fortenberry
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD/RDN, LDN, CDN, CDCES, IFNCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition. I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way. We look forward to meeting and working with you!
Ebb & Flow Medical Nutrition Therapy & Consulting: helping people with chronic conditions - such as PCOS, diabetes, hypertension, and disordered eating - find solutions and peace with food through evidence-based, functional nutrition. I use food and nutrients to remit or improve chronic conditions, while teaching you about food/your body along the way. We look forward to meeting and working with you!
(916) 409-3008 View (916) 409-3008
Photo of Emily Hammon - Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist/Dietitian, Emily H, RD LD N, CYNS
Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist/Dietitian, Emily H, RD LD N, CYNS
Online Only
Emily is a Board-Certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is completing her Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Her extensive years in clinical settings have made her an expert at improving dual-diagnosis outcomes for many clients and those with weight concerns. She has practitioner capabilities to order labs and food allergy/sensitivity testing through Rupa Health and Oxford Biomedical Technologies.
Emily is a Board-Certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over 20 years of clinical experience. She is completing her Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Her extensive years in clinical settings have made her an expert at improving dual-diagnosis outcomes for many clients and those with weight concerns. She has practitioner capabilities to order labs and food allergy/sensitivity testing through Rupa Health and Oxford Biomedical Technologies.
(314) 207-8745 View (314) 207-8745
Photo of Jenna Brown, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSSD
Jenna Brown
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CSSD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics. She focuses on fueling for exercise/athletic performance, health, and weight management. She utilizes a food first approach and recommends supplements as needed to fill in micronutrient gaps. She builds individualized nutrition plans for weight management, and body composition changes. She provides a judgement free zone where you can feel comfortable to share your goals, current dietary practices, and exercise regimen. Jenna believes there are no healthy and unhealthy, good or bad foods, rather every day foods and every now and then foods.
Jenna is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics. She focuses on fueling for exercise/athletic performance, health, and weight management. She utilizes a food first approach and recommends supplements as needed to fill in micronutrient gaps. She builds individualized nutrition plans for weight management, and body composition changes. She provides a judgement free zone where you can feel comfortable to share your goals, current dietary practices, and exercise regimen. Jenna believes there are no healthy and unhealthy, good or bad foods, rather every day foods and every now and then foods.
(351) 208-1409 View (351) 208-1409
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.