Where Patients Can Find Nutritional Guidance

How does a cancer patient find appropriate information about nutrition?

The first place to turn is the health care team treating the patient's cancer, says Sally Scroggs, a registered dietitian and senior health education specialist in M. D. Anderson's Cancer Prevention Center.

Patients can ask their doctors or nurses for guidance with nutritional issues or ask for a referral to a registered dietitian at their cancer center, she says.

Dietitians on some health care teams

At some centers, like M. D. Anderson, dietitians are often included as members of patient health care teams. "Here, many patients can take advantage of the dietitian on their team who has an expertise in the treatment and side effects related to a specific diagnosis," Scroggs says. "These dietitians know the disease and what to expect, including side effects of different treatments."

Automatic consultations with M. D. Anderson dietitians are prompted if, during the normal nutritional monitoring of a patient, changes or fluctuations in a person's condition merit an evaluation, she adds.

Nutritional classes also may be available

Patients also can ask about additional educational resources that might be available within their cancer centers.

M. D. Anderson, for example, offers:

• Treatment side effects classes
• Monthly herb lectures
• Monthly guest chef cooking demonstrations
• Weekly weight management classes
• Bimonthly presentations on topics such as:
• • Nutrition and fatigue
  • Nutrition and the immune system
  • Antioxidants

Other general resources available to patients include:

American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) - The AICR is a national organization focusing on nutrition for the cancer survivor. Callers can speak with a registered dietitian on the AICR Nutrition Hotline at (202) 328-7744 or 1-800-843-8114, or e-mail aicrweb@aicr.org.

National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS)- Patients can call the CIS at 1-800-4-CANCER to order a free copy of "Eating Hints for Cancer Patients - Before and After Treatment."

Clinical Nutrition Patient Educationweb portal- M. D. Anderson's Department of Clinical Nutrition provides information about nutrition and cancer, plus recipes, in this section of the cancer center's website.

American Cancer Society's Nutrition for Cancer Survivors - This webpage includes information on nutrition after treatment, fitness and cooking.