We aim to advance patient-oriented oncology nutrition research that drives scientific discovery, informs clinical nutrition practice, and improves care and outcomes for patients and their families.
Our work produces innovative, patient-centred evidence grounded in real world clinical practice. This approach supports the timely adoption of new research into patient care.
Our research topics reflect patient needs and priorities. We identify these topics through patient and caregiver feedback, direct contributions, and the lived experiences of people affected by cancer.
We collaborate with cancer institutions within and beyond BC Cancer, as well as academic institutions across Canada. Our interdisciplinary research teams bring together diverse expertise and perspectives. By working together, we address complex challenges, drive scientific discovery, and accelerate innovation.
Grounded in health equity, our research focuses on:
- Improving care and management for patients at high risk of malnutrition
- Addressing prehabilitation and rehabilitation needs across the cancer journey
- Advancing clinical nutrition practice through innovative technologies and metabolic therapies
Interested in learning more or collaborating?
Please contact Research Dietitian Eleah Stringer at
Phone: 250 519 5523
Published research
For more information on research conducted, click "+" on the years listed below.
- Campbell, K.L., Van Patten, C.L. et al. Feasibility of a lifestyle intervention on body weight and serum biomarkers in breast cancer survivors with overweight and obesity. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2012 (in press)
- Cosby, C., Dennis, D., Payeur, N., Daudt, H. What is the nutritional and psychological status of colorectal patients referred to BCCA-VIC? Supportive Care in Cancer 2011. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2010, Vancouver BC
Kwan, W., Duncan, G., Van Patten, C.L. et al. A phase II trial of a soy beverage for subjects without clinical disease with rising prostate specific antigen after radical radiation for prostate cancer. Nutrition and Cancer 2010; 62(2): 198-207
- Daudt, H., Payeur, N., Cosby, C., Dennis, D., Watson, H. Lifestyle behaviours of people with colorectal cancer living on Vancouver Island: adherence to healthy habits and perceived barriers. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2010, Vancouver BC. View poster: Lifestyle behaviours of people with colorectal cancer living on Vancouver Island
- Cosby, C., Wong, H., Lister, T., Gerbis, B., Gait, J., Fimrite, A., Smith, S. What are the survivorship information and care needs of patients from Vancouver Island Centre upon completion of curative intent radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer? Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2010, Vancouver BC. View poster: What are the survivorship information and care needs of patients from Vancouver Island Centre upon completion of curative intent radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer?
- Watson, H., van Mossel, C., Daudt, H., Cosby, C., Mitchell, A., Payeur, N., Leitz, L., Alford, M., Purkis, M.E. Transitions and beyond: survivorship care plan for people with colorectal cancers. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2010, Vancouver BC
- Van Patten, C.L., Neil, S.E., McKenzie, D.C., Gelmon, K.A., Gotay, C.C., Campbell, K.L. A pilot weight loss intervention in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors. Annual Research Conference, American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR): October 2010, Washington DC. View poster: A pilot weight loss intervention in overweight and obese breast cancer survivors
2009
2008
- Van Patten, C.L., deBoer, J.G., Tomlinson Guns, E.S. Diet and dietary intervention trials in the prevention of prostate cancer recurrence: a review of randomized clinical trial evidence. The Journal of Urology 2008; 180: 2314-22
- Sekhon, I., Sekhon, S., Levy-Milne, R. Nutritional care of lymphoma patients referred to BC Cancer Agency Oncology Nutrition in 2007: a retrospective analysis. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2008, Vancouver BC. View poster: Nutritional care of lymphoma patients referred to BC Cancer Agency Oncology Nutrition in 2007 (PPT)
- Yeung, T., Sekhon, S., Levy, K., Levy-Milne, R. Nutrition Information Needs of Lung Cancer Patients. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2008, Vancouver BC. View poster: Nutrition Information Needs of Lung Cancer Patients (PPT)
- Reimer, S., Sekhon, S., Brockman, R., Haines, S., Levy-Milne, R. Nutrition Learning Interests of Lung Cancer Patients According to Health Care Providers. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2008, Vancouver BC. View poster: Nutrition Learning Interests of Lung Cancer Patients According to Health Care Providers (PPT)
- Herbruger, V., Jankola, L., Orphanidou, C. Improving nutritional status of individuals diagnosed with cancer: Does implementing a nutrition screening tool in an ambulatory care setting increase the identification of patients at nutritional risk? Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2008, Vancouver BC
- Van Patten, C.L., Sheel, W., LaBreche, J., McKenzie, D. Can exercise reverse muscle atrophy/weakness in men with prostate cancer treated with hormone therapy? Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2008, Vancouver, BC. Annual Cancer Care Conference, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): May-June 2008, Chicago, IL
2007
- Cushing, M., Orphanidou, C., Levy-Milne, R., Alford, M., Chapman, G.E. Facilitating sustainable lifestyle behavioural change for adult cancer survivors: A review of the literature. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2007, Vancouver BC
- Hobenshield, S., Kenning, C., Kyritsis, V., Levy-Milne, R. The role of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in advanced cancer patients: A retrospective analysis. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2007, Vancouver BC
- Orphanidou, C., Cosby, C., Brockman, R., Firmrtie, A., Levy-Milne, R. Dual Modality Lung Nutrition Study. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2007, Vancouver BC. View poster: Dual Modality Lung Nutrition Study (PPT)
- Cosby, C., Mroz, L., Galbraith, L. Dietary and natural health products for the prevention of adenoma recurrence: Incorporating emerging evidence into nutrition education practice. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2007, Vancouver BC
- Cosby, C., Good, P., Galbraith, L., Nurulla, A., Arora, R., Daudt, H. What are the nutrition and cancer information needs of women with breast cancer and how to best meet these needs: a conclusion of a Vancouver Island pilot. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2007, Vancouver BC. View poster: What are the nutrition and cancer information needs of women with breast cancer and how to best meet these needs (PDF)
- Orphanidou, C., Biggs, K., Bowman, A., Esau, A., Hotte, S., Lafleur, M., Solter, V., Wright, J., Griffin, M., Sheehan, B., Johnston, M., Myers, C. Canadian oncology nutrition clinical practice guideline initiative: use of prophylactic feeding tubes for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2007, Vancouver BC
2006
- Atti, S., Sekhon, S., Van Patten, C., Levy-Milne, R. Lymphoma Lifestyle Survey. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2006, Vancouver BC
- Hasebe, M., Bowman, A., Levy-Milne, R. Developing a care map for head and neck cancer patients. Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2006, Vancouver BC. View poster: Lymphoma Lifestyle Survey (PPT)
- Bellamy, A., Orphanidou, C., Cosby, C., Langlois, T., Swinton, N., Levy-Milne, R. What drives outpatient oncology nutrition practice? Annual Cancer Care Conference, BC Cancer Agency: November 2006, Vancouver BC
2004
- Borugian, M.J., Sheps, S.B., Kim-Sing, C., Van Patten, C. et al. Insulin, macronutrient intake, and physical activity: Are indicators of insulin resistance associated with mortality from breast cancer? Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 2004; 13(7): 1163-72
- Borugian, M.J., Sheps, S.B., Kim-Sing, C., Olivotto, I.A., Van Patten, C. et al. Waist-to-hip ratio and breast-cancer mortality. American Journal of Epidemiology 2004; 158(10): 963-68
2003
- Matergio, D., Morley, C., Roberts, F., Walshaw, N., Paltiel, C., Spence, D., Monkman, S. Evaluation of three methods of cleaning gastrostomy feeding equipment in a home setting. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research. Dietitians of Canada 2003
2002
- Van Patten, C.L., Olivotto, I., Gelmon, K., et al. Effect of soy phytoestrogens on hot flashes in postmenopausal women with breast cancer: A randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2002; 20(6): 1449-1455
2000
- Sekhon, S. Chronic Radiation Enteritis: Women's Food Tolerances after Radiation Treatment for Gynecologic Cancer. JADA 2000; 100(8): 941-943
1999
- Kutynec, C.L., McCargar, L., Barr, S.I., Hislop, T.G. Energy balance in women with breast cancer during adjuvant treatment. Journal of The American Dietetic Association 1999; 99(10): 1222-7
1997
- Gallagher, R., Kutynec, C.L. Diet, micronutrients and prostate cancer: a review of the evidence. Supplement of The Canadian Journal of Urology 1997; 4(2 Suppl 1): 22-27
