Nutrition is an important part of cancer treatment. Choosing the right kinds of foods to nourish the body can help patients stay stronger and feel better throughout their treatment.
Cancer itself, as well as its treatments, can affect the appetite. It can also change the body’s ability to tolerate certain foods and use certain nutrients. The dietitians at UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center can assist patients in making informed choices about nutrition.
When to Contact a Cancer Dietitian
Patients can contact a cancer dietitian at any time, and don’t need to wait until their doctor refers them. As part of their support care team, we’re here to help before, during, and after cancer treatment. Our registered dietitians can answer nutrition-related questions as well as provide one-on-one consultations.
Our dietitians can help patients:
- Minimize side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal medications, transplants, and surgery
- Enhance quality of life during treatment
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Prevent or correct nutritional deficiencies
- Incorporate healthy nutrition habits
- Provide guidance on alternative nutritional therapies
- Educate family members about patients’ special nutrition needs
- Provide survivorship education to reduce risk of recurrence
