Cancer/Oncology Nutritionists and Dietitians in Evanston, IL

Photo of Brandi Gail, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPPD, RD
Brandi Gail
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPPD, RD
Online Only
I am a registered dietitian who believes nutrition care should feel supportive, realistic, and even enjoyable. I take a weight-inclusive, nonjudgmental approach and meet clients where they are, focusing on small, attainable weekly goals to support sustainable lifestyle change. I specialize in PCOS, diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, cholesterol management, weight loss, and overall healthy living. I bring warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor into every session.
I am a registered dietitian who believes nutrition care should feel supportive, realistic, and even enjoyable. I take a weight-inclusive, nonjudgmental approach and meet clients where they are, focusing on small, attainable weekly goals to support sustainable lifestyle change. I specialize in PCOS, diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, cholesterol management, weight loss, and overall healthy living. I bring warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor into every session.
(224) 243-7047 View (224) 243-7047
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 Marcy Kirshenbaum, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLT
Marcy Kirshenbaum
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, CLT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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

More Dietitians and Nutritionists Nearby

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 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 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 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 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 Adrienne DePaul, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
Adrienne DePaul
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, RDN, LDN
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60653
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 Kelly Bay, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Kelly Bay
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN, CNS, DC
Online Only
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
My ideal clients are individuals experiencing complex, chronic health concerns such as gut issues, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, thyroid dysfunction, food sensitivities, and low energy or poor sleep. They often feel frustrated by vague symptoms or inconclusive conventional testing and want deeper answers. I use a functional, whole-body approach with in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing to identify root causes. Together, we use personalized nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and education to improve symptoms and restore confidence in their health.
(708) 938-3273 View (708) 938-3273
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 Danielle Hendrix, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CEDS
Danielle Hendrix
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CEDS
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60620
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
Danielle is a Registered Dietitian who practices out of Health Loft. Danielle understands that making fulfilling, long-lasting, and healthful decisions requires patience and a solid client-provider relationship. Change can be challenging, and you need a supportive provider to help navigate the way as you create your own path. Danielle strongly believes that being healthy means not only taking care of our physical health, but also our mental health. Danielle understands that nutrition is not “one-size-fits-all”, and she will work to help you create a personalized plan of care to help you meet your goals.
(346) 666-7394 View (346) 666-7394
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 Anne Suelzer, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
Anne Suelzer
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, LDN
5 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
Anne is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them make healthy and sustainable diet changes that support their lifestyle and hormonal health. She understands food’s crucial role in balancing hormones and believes in the power of evidence-based research to guide her practice. Anne is particularly interested in the gut-brain connection and how it influences overall well-being. She emphasizes the importance of consuming whole foods that nourish the body and believes that access to nutritious food should be available to all.
(332) 244-2046 View (332) 244-2046
Photo of Kerri Holmquist, Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, RD, CDCES, LDN
Kerri Holmquist
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CD, RD, CDCES, LDN
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60654
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
Kerri is a Registered Dietitian, specializing in working with adults and adolescents with Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating, IBS, Diabetes, and Pregnancy Nutrition. She believes that the beauty of her profession is supporting clients to become empowered and confident as they explore what works for them. Kerri takes a lifelong and “food is fun” approach to her sessions, and understands that what may work in one season of life, may not work in the next. Kerri also believes in an all inclusive approach with foods and body types, providing an environment rich in opportunity to build trust and learning for both client and provider.
(704) 859-2677 View (704) 859-2677
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 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 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 Shilpa K Patel - Energycompass, Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, RDH, BEP
Energycompass
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, CNS, LDN, RDH, BEP
Barrington, IL 60010
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in educating and empowering clients by addressing the complex interconnections between nutrition, biochemical functions, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to support whole-body function and long-term wellness by targeting key systems such as sugar metabolism, gastrointestinal health, brain and mental health, hormonal balance, immune function, and more. Using a personalized, functional approach, I incorporate a wide range of tools—including comprehensive lab testing and individualized assessments—to uncover nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to health challenge
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I specialize in educating and empowering clients by addressing the complex interconnections between nutrition, biochemical functions, lifestyle, and environment. My goal is to support whole-body function and long-term wellness by targeting key systems such as sugar metabolism, gastrointestinal health, brain and mental health, hormonal balance, immune function, and more. Using a personalized, functional approach, I incorporate a wide range of tools—including comprehensive lab testing and individualized assessments—to uncover nutritional and lifestyle imbalances that may be contributing to health challenge
(847) 994-4313 View (847) 994-4313
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.