Nutrition Services

Good nutrition is important at every stage of your cancer treatment and recovery.

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What we do

Benefits of good nutrition

  • Improves and maintains your nutritional status before and during your cancer treatment
  • Decreases any eating challenges during your treatment
  • Improves your strength, well-being, and quality of life related to food

How can a dietitian help me?

Registered dietitians at BC Cancer can help you if you are experiencing eating challenges during your cancer treatment such as:

  • decreased appetite and unwanted weight loss
  • dry mouth and taste changes
  • nausea
  • bowel changes: constipation or diarrhea

A registered dietitian can meet with you before or after one of your already scheduled appointments. If you prefer, a dietitian can also call you at home. Please see "Finding us", to the right, to contact the nutrition department at your cancer centre.

If you are having treatment at a chemotherapy clinic in your home community, you can request to speak with the dietitian working at your local hospital to answer your questions.

For general nutrition questions, you can visit HealthLink BC or call 8-1-1 for free nutrition information offered by registered dietitians. Call 8-1-1 anywhere in B.C., Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Please see this handout for more information on dietitians in cancer care (PDF).

Group classes

Virtual Nutrition Class: Eating Well on Your Cancer Journey

Who: For people with cancer interested in learning about preparing and planning a nutritious diet.

This class is not for you if you are having significant difficulty with severe weight loss, eating enough, digestion or bowel concerns (including diarrhea, constipation or a bowel obstruction) AND you are currently receiving treatment at a BC Cancer Centre. Please speak to a member of your health care team for a referral to a dietitian.

What: A 1-hour online nutrition session led by a dietitian

  • What does it mean to eat well with cancer?
  • Strategies to manage eating challenges
  • Answers to common questions

When: Sessions are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 1:30-2:30 pm, PST

Where: Virtually on Microsoft Teams. 

Register for the next class here


Virtual Nutrition Class: Food Choices to Manage Bowel Changes

Who: For patients with tumours located in the colorectal, gynecological and prostate area. Family members or support people are welcome to attend.

What: A 1-hour online nutrition session led by a dietitian

  • Learn about food choices to manage bowel symptoms, such as diarrhea, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and discomfort;
  • Manage treatment side effects of the bowel through diet; and
  • Prevent or reduce risk of a bowel blockage.

When: Sessions are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 2:30-3:30 p.m, PST

Where: Virtually on Microsoft Teams

Register for the next class here




Registered dietitians

Professionals you can trust

Our registered dietitians are members of the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. Qualifications for college membership include a Bachelor of Science degree and practice education from an accredited institution.

They possess specialized knowledge in cancer care and are able to translate research information into practical food advice for patients and families. Some of our team members also have Masters and Doctorate degrees.

A registered dietitian can meet with you and your family or caregiver to:

  • Determine your nutritional goals
  • Provide practical suggestions to help meet your nutritional needs
  • Address your questions and clarify mixed messages about nutrition and its role in cancer
  • Provide follow up re-assessment as needed through your treatment

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