PATIENT SUPPORT - Nutrition

Diet is an important part of your treatment plan. Good nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for the person being treated for cancer. Both the illness and the treatment can affect your appetite and your body's ability to tolerate certain foods. The following information is supplemental only, and should not replace consultation with your physician or dietician.

Nutrition requirements for people with cancer are designed to help build up strength and withstand the effects of treatment. To achieve these goals, those with cancer should try to eat high-calorie foods that increase protein -- milk, cheese, cooked eggs, meats, poultry, fish, beans, legumes, and nuts. A higher intake of sauces and gravies, butter, margarine, and oil will increase calories.

Nutrients

• Protein is essential for growth, to repair body tissue, and to maintain a healthy immune system
• Carbohydrates and fats are the body's major energy (calorie) sources
• Vitamins and minerals are essential for proper growth and development
• Water and fluids are very important daily to prevent possible dehydration

Why should you see a Dietician?

• To learn skills to manage your own nutrition
  
• To learn healthy eating
  
• To learn nutrition options to deal with the side effects from cancer treatment

Make a Clinical Dietician Appointment (a physician referral is necessary)
Hillcrest area - call 619-543-3619
La Jolla area - call 858-657-6471

Click for expanded nutrition information and questions.