Registered dietitians/nutritionists are qualified experts in food and nutrition who work with the public, other health professionals, business and industry, and the media. Registered clinical dietitians/nutritionists must have a university degree specializing in foods and nutritional sciences including courses in organic chemistry, physiology and biochemistry plus an approved one-year dietetic internship in an accredited hospital or a master’s degree in human nutrition. With this training, they are able to translate sound, scientific information about food and nutrition into practical advice for the public.

The RDNs at the Vancouver Centre are specialized in the areas of nutrition for cancer prevention and the nutritional needs of people with cancer

The nutritionists can help you deal with your questions and problems. Advice is available about:

• Adjusting your eating pattern to suit your appetite.    
• Making mealtime and meal preparation easier.    
• Meal and snack ideas to try if your usual favourites do not appeal to you.    
• Soft or liquid diets if chewing or swallowing are difficult.    
• Special nutritional products if you cannot eat enough food to maintain your weight.    
• Adjusting your diet to deal with constipation or diarrhea.    
• Popular unconventional nutrition remedies for cancer.    
• Diet guidelines to reduce cancer risk.

The nutritionists also have a variety of written materials to help you cope with the side effects of cancer and its treatment.

The nutritionists are available to see all patients and family members who have questions about nutrition and cancer. Each nutritionist specializes in different kinds of cancer. If you would like to see a nutritionist, talk to your nurse, doctor or therapist. They can make arrangements for you to see a nutritionist at the time of your usual clinic visit.

Or, you can call the Nutrition Department directly at (604) 877-6000 local 2013 or toll free 1-800-663-3333 local 2013.