DIETITIAN - Radiation Oncology

Cancer is a condition that attacks the body along many fronts.  One of the most damaging and counterproductive effects of cancer is to impair the nutritional status of patients.  In turn, one of the best ways to fight cancer is to bolster the body's nutritional status.  Indeed, even with all the advances in radiation oncology and surgery, the most potent cancer fighting weapons are within the patient themselves via their immune system.  The immune system is an elegant cancer fighter with the most targeted approach against neoplastic cells.  The immune system's strength is directly related to a patient's nutritional status and physical fitness.  Unfortunately, cancer toxins often impair a patient's ability to properly take on good nutrition, making nutritional assessment and therapy an integral part of any holistic cancer treatment program.

A registered dietitian is a healthcare professional who has received a bachelor's degree in nutrition.  In addition, dietitians must complete a required number of internships or supervised practice hours, and pass a national board exam.  After passing the exam, candidates are officially registered dietitians (RD).  The state of Texas requires all registered dietitians to be licensed dietitians (LD).

Side effects of cancer treatment can vary from person to person.  During treatment, some people may experience certain side effects that could affect their ability to eat.  Getting enough of the right foods and nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water) can help patients feel better while receiving treatment.   A dietitian specializing in radiation therapy will help answer your nutrition questions and give you guidelines to help manage any eating problems you may have.