Revised: May 2007

Why is nutrition important?

Nutrition plays an important role during your cancer treatment. Good nutrition can help you to:

• Prevent or reverse weight loss
• Better manage therapy related side-effects
• Help to fight infection
• Provide energy to speed recovery

Will cancer treatments affect my eating?

Cancer treatments can sometimes lead to side effects that can affect your ability to eat. The type of side-effects will depend on your type of cancer and it’s treatment. Because each person is unique, side effects can vary from person to person. Most side effects go away a few days or weeks after treatment ends.

If you do not experience any side effects during you treatment, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet.

How can a dietitian help me?

BC Cancer Agency dietitians help patients who are experiencing eating challenges during their cancer treatment such as:

• Poor appetite resulting in weight loss 
• Nausea 
• Difficulty with chewing and swallowing
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation
• Changes in the way foods taste

The dietitian can meet with you and your family/caregiver to:

• Determine your nutritional goals 
• Provide practical suggestions to help meet your nutritional needs
• Provide follow up care as needed through your treatment
  
  Some of the cancer centres provide group nutrition counselling classes for people who have nutrition questions related to their cancer.

Who are the BCCA registered dietitians?

What other information is available on diet and cancer?

Our Eating Challenges section guides you in choosing the most appropriate foods while dealing with difficulties during your treatment.

The Pamphlets/Handouts section provides helpful and practical nutrition tips relating to Cancer Prevention, Nutrition During Cancer Treatment and nutritional issues for Specific Cancers.

Our Frequently Asked Questions section addresses some of the common questions asked by individuals dealing with cancer.

The Recommended Links section lists various internet organizations providing nutrition and cancer information. A brief description of the services provided by each website is provided for your guidance. The BC Cancer Agency does not necessarily endorse their viewpoints and the information provided here is not intended to replace personalized medical advice from your health care team.

How can I contact a dietitian?

If you are experiencing poor eating and are not able to eat well during your treatment, you may wish to make an appointment to speak with a BC Cancer Agency Registered Dietitian.

If you are not experiencing difficulty eating and are interested in healthy lifestyle choices, Dial-a-Dietitian is a free nutrition information service by Registered Dietitians that can provide information on healthy eating and cancer prevention.