Nutritional Services 

Moncrief Cancer Resources has registered and licensed dietitians on staff to help patients in their fight with cancer. Nutrition plays an important role in cancer treatment and recovery. Eating a healthy diet keeps the body strong to fight cancer. It also helps cancer patients feel better despite the disease and treatment.

It has long been noticed that cancer patients have a tendency to lose weight. There are many causes for weight loss and malnutrition. It may be that cancer patients lose their appetite and are not eating enough. Or it could be that cancer has altered metabolism, making the cancer patient's nutritional requirements exceed those of someone without the disease.

But, whatever the cause, progressive weight loss, weakness and debilitation have an impact on cancer outcome and quality of life.

Our dietitian assesses the nutritional needs of our patients and counsel on ways to maximize their nutritional intake by: 

• Modifying diets to ease side effects (such as loss of appetite, taste changes, nausea or vomiting, irritated mouth or throat, constipation or diarrhea).
• Helping the patient get sufficient calories to prevent protein in their muscles from being broken down and used as an energy source.
• Making sure there are adequate protein sources in the diet to provide for tissue maintenance and repair.
• Educating patients on foods that may help fight cancer (e.g., foods high in carotoids, vitamins C & E and phytochemicals).
• Adapting pre-existing diets (cardiac, diabetic, renal) to meet the nutritional needs of cancer treatments.
• Overseeing and providing guidance for tube feedings for those unable to acquire adequate nutrition by mouth.

We know that a well-nourished body can better tolerate cancer treatments and give patients a greater chance of making a good recovery after treatment. Our dietitian has one job, to help insure the best possible outcome for every patient through good nutrition.

Our Dietitians conduct community education programs focused on preventive nutrition and weight management to reduce cancer risk. These programs include cooking demonstrations and grocery shopping tours. For information and registration please click on the link Navigating Nutrition Towards Cancer Free Living. Watch the video What foods can help you beat cancer? from Channel 8 News with Janet St. James, medical reporter. For class dates please see our Calendar of Events.

Please feel free to contact the Dietitians for any questions or concerns you may have at 817-838-4864 or email dietary@moncrief.com.