Nutrition Services

Good nutrition is a very important part of cancer treatment. Patients being treated at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center have access to a dietitian with expertise in the nutritional needs of cancer patients.

A nutritious diet can help patients feel better and stay stronger, especially if they are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The right foods not only help rebuild the body's cells and energy levels, but also nourish your emotions. The dietitian can also provide dietary techniques to help alleviate poor appetite, taste changes, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss or gain, as well as nausea and mouth sores.

Eating well means consuming a variety of foods that provide the nutrients needed to keep patients healthy while undergoing cancer treatment. Benefits of a healthy diet include:

• Maintaining strength and energy
• Decreasing the risk of infection
• Tolerating treatment related side effects
• Replenishing the body's store of nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight
• Quicker healing and recovery times

At the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, a registered dietitian will work closely with patients and caregivers to give advice about nutritional needs before, during, and after cancer therapy.