Oncology Nutrition
Eating well while being treated for cancer will help improve many aspects of your life. It can help you feel better, stay stronger and have more energy. Some people have nutrition-related side effects that we can help manage. Good nutrition during cancer treatment also helps lower the risk of infection and shortens the time for healing and recovery.
- Nutrition screening to check for early signs of malnutrition
- Evaluation of nutrition needs at every stage of cancer treatment and recovery
- Consideration of dietary preferences, allergies, and intolerances
- Patient and family nutrition education and counseling
- Suggestions to help improve common side effects
- Evidence-based information on food trends and supplement use
- Guidance and care coordination for patients needing help with tube feeding
Our services are available both in-person and virtually through all our Providence Cancer Institute clinics.
If you have nutrition questions about your diet or cancer treatment, please ask your oncology care team to refer you to one of our Registered Dietitians.
Our Registered Dietitians host cancer nutrition classes twice a month that are free for all cancer patients. Classes are one hour long with morning and afternoon sessions available. Click on the register link below to view current class offerings.
Class details:
There are many resources available regarding nutrition during cancer treatment. Our team of Registered Dietitians has filtered through much of what is available to provide a list of resources that are best able to help our patients before, during and after cancer treatment.
- Watch a Video by Providence Registered Dietitians: Understanding your Cancer Treatment – Nutrition Matters
- Register for a Cancer Nutrition Class
- High Protein Foods
- Cancer Related Taste and Smell Changes
- American Cancer Society: Nutrition for the Person with Cancer During Treatment
- American Institute for Cancer Research: Take Control of Your Health, Treatment Tips Before, During and After
- National Cancer Institute: Eating Hints Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
- Cancer Support Community: Eating Well with Head and Neck Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer Action: Diet and Nutrition for Pancreatic Cancer
- Community Teaching Kitchen
Please call 503-513-8059 for an updated class schedule. - Outpatient Nutrition Counseling
- Base Camp
- Healthy Weight Management
If you have questions regarding any of these resources, please ask your oncology care team to refer you to one of our Registered Dietitians.
Our Registered Dietitians have gathered some recipe resources that are specifically created for good nutrition during cancer treatment.
- American Institute for Cancer Research
- Cook for Your Life
- ELLICSR Kitchen: Recipes by Side Effects
- Oldways: Cultural Food Traditions
- Rebecca Katz Recipe Box
Providence Cancer Institute lending libraries provide free assistance so you can find the information, answers and advice you seek, plus you can learn about the latest advances in cancer treatment.
The Jill Lematta Learning Center at Providence Portland Medical Center offers several cookbooks that can be checked out by patients and families to help support a health lifestyle before, during and after cancer treatment.
There are many resources available throughout the Portland-metro area community that are helpful to our patients. We have gathered a list of the most helpful resources available to support good nutrition before, during and after cancer treatment.
Community resources:
- Providence Community Resource Desk
- Oregon Food Bank
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- SNAP Match Farmer’s Markets
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
- 211 Info
Home delivered meal services:
Oral nutrition supplement assistance:
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At Oncology Nutrition, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
