Diet and Nutrition

Nutrition advice and finding solutions that work to support you are an important part of the overall care of someone with cancer.

We have two Dietitian-Nutritionists on our team, appointments which were the direct result of patient comments received in our market research surveys.

Oncology Dietitians and Nutritionists are the specialists within the clinical team who understand the most about how the food you eat impacts on your health. Both our specialists have over 20 years experience in sharing the practical insights needed to help people with cancer find the best options to soothe problems.

Eating and enjoying a balanced nutritious diet has a key role to play. Up to 40% of people have experienced significant weight loss when their cancer is diagnosed or have nutrition problems, so being aware how to boost nutrition-health early on can be important.

Enjoying enough of the key food nutrients as well as trying to savour lots of good tastes is also important, as it will help you to:

• Tolerate the optimal doses of certain treatments
• Recover and heal more quickly
• Feel better and stronger in yourself
• Reduce fatigue
• Control weight and changes of shape
• Manage to enjoy more social times with friends and family
• Reduce the likelihood of developing infections or problems that would require spending more time in hospital.

Staying at a healthy weight and eating healthily could make a significant contribution to how you might react to treatment. Maintaining nutrition intake is vital, but nutrient losses can easily occur without the right advice. Even in times of good health our immune system uses around 1/3 of the body’s total food nutrients.

During the various stages of cancer treatment there are often many reasons why your normal approach to eating may be more difficult or insufficient for your needs. Many patients feel food starts to become something that helps to manage their emotions, others that it is a difficult topic or source of tension within the family. You may notice shape or weight changes, rings or belts may feel looser or tighter, or you just may not feel your usual self. Looking at the way you eat and what you’re eating may well be a way forward to getting back on track, and this is when it could be helpful for you to seek guidance from our Oncology Dietitians and Nutritionists.

Most people find the experience of getting expert guidance on the sorts of foods that their body may need more of at certain stages of their treatment, and finessing what they normally enjoy to eat, as positive, empowering and often quite comforting.

Appointments are available through referral from your consultant or a member of the clinical team, or contact Ariella from our reception team directly on 020 7317 2680.