What is a registered dietitian?
A registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements to qualify for the credential "RD."
Nutrition Counseling
Pluta Cancer Center strives to provide comprehensive nutrition care and nutrition education to patients, former patients, and their loved ones. Jennifer Kerr, our registered dietitian, works as a member of your cancer care team to pinpoint opportunities for nutrition intervention and support. Nutritional well-being is an integral part of your care; optimal nutrition allows your body to function at its best. The benefits of optimal nutrition for the cancer patient include:
- Support the functioning of your immune system
- Manage nutrition impact symptoms of radiation and chemotherapy
- Preserve or rebuild your lean body mass
- Decrease your risk of infection
- Improve your strength and energy level
- Improve your tolerance to treatment
- Help you recuperate after treatment
- Improve your quality of life
Good nutrition keeps you strong and increases the chance that your cancer treatment will progress without interruption. Your body needs energy and nutrients to repair the effects of cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.
Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is a positive way to take control of your well-being. Our dietitian can assist you by making recommendations to manage side effects and for nourishing yourself with healthful foods during and after treatment.
What happens at a nutrition consultation?
A nutrition consultation is an open conversation between you and our dietitian. You will discuss your medical history, weight history, dietary intake, fluid intake, appetite, and overall well-being. During treatment, you will learn about dietary interventions to help manage any treatment side effects and maintain optimal nutritional health to support your treatment progression. After treatment, you may work with our dietitian to manage other nutrition-related health concerns (weight control, heart health, disease prevention etc.), or to simply develop life-long healthy eating behaviors for improved quality of life. You will be given advice based on your needs and what is appropriate for your medical situation and overall health and wellness goals.
Why should I see a registered dietitian?
Cancer treatments can affect your ability to eat. A registered dietitian can help you manage these side effects to maintain optimal dietary intake:
Table taken from the National Cancer Institute at http://www.cancer.gov
| Cancer Treatment | How it Can Affect Eating | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery |
Increases the need for good nutrition. May slow digestion. May lessen the ability of the mouth, throat, and stomach to work properly. Adequate nutrition helps wound-healing and recovery. |
Before surgery, a high-protein, high-calorie diet may be prescribed if a patient is underweight or weak. After surgery, some patients may not be able to eat normally at first. They may receive nutrients through a needle in their vein or through a tube in their nose or stomach. |
| Radiation Therapy |
As it damages cancer cells, it also may affect healthy cells and healthy parts of the body. |
Treatment to the head, neck, or chest may cause:
Treatment of abdomen or pelvis may cause:
|
| Chemotherapy |
As it destroys cancer cells, it also may affect the digestive system and the desire or ability to eat. |
|
| Immunotherapy |
As it stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells, it can affect the desire or ability to eat. |
|
| Hormonal Therapy |
Some types can increase appetite and change how the body handles fluids. |
|
Nutrition and Cooking Classes
Jennifer leads a nutrition and cooking class once each month. The class focuses on developing skills that support the adoption of a plant-based diet. In each class, the group prepares several recipes using seasonal foods. Topics of discussion vary and are chosen based on patient and survivor interest. Current and former Pluta Cancer patients are invited to attend along with one guest.
- Classes are free, however registration is required.
- Classes are usually the last Friday of each month, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Pluta Cancer Center, lower level.
- To register, please call the Center at 585-486-0600 one week in advance.
Nutrition-Related Online Resources
National Cancer Institute: Nutrition in Cancer Care
American Cancer Society: Nutrition for the Person with Cancer
American Institute for Cancer Research: For Cancer Survivors
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fruit & Veggies Matter More