Medical Concerns

Nutrition Tips and Additional Resources

During treatment, the way that your body uses nutrients may change, causing your energy and protein needs to increase. All of these issues create a challenge to eating adequately and well. Here are some tips to help you:

• Think balance. Try to eat a variety of different foods every day, including proteins, fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates and healthy fats. This will assist you in obtaining a diet that is high in vital nutrients.
• Eating smaller meals more often may be helpful, especially if your appetite is poor.
• When having a meal, try to eat protein foods first.
• Talk to a Registered Dietitian (RD) to help you deal with your individual nutrition concerns.

Additional Resources:

• God's Love We Deliver’s Every Bite Counts! Tips for Breast Cancer Patients and Every Bite Counts! Tips for Prostate Cancer Patients
• National Cancer Institute's Nutrition in Cancer Care and Eating Hints for Cancer Patients: Before, During, and After Treatment
• The American Institute for Cancer Research
  1-800-843-8114, website: www.aicr.org
  Focuses on the relationship between nutrition, cancer prevention and treatment. Offers a nutrition hotline and free seminars addressing diet and cancer.
• The Cancer Project
  1-202-244-5038, website: www.cancerproject.org
  Provides classes, books, video programs, and educational materials on cancer prevention and survival. Conducts clinical research to investigate dietary issues and the value of healthy diet changes.
• Cook for Your Life!
  1-212-799-3894, website: www.cookforyourlife.org
  A free cooking and nutrition program for cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.