Cancer Services Dietitian

Everybody enjoys eating good, tasty food and for most people a general healthy diet containing all the major food groups is recommended. However, during cancer treatment your nutrition requirements can be higher and the side effects can make it difficult to maintain adequate nutrition.



Eat Well


The effect of malnutrition (poor nutrition) for people with cancer can include:

  • Weight loss
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Decreased ability to carry out daily activities
  • Decreased response to treatment

The main purpose of the dietitian is to help you maintain your weight and nutrition during treatment. The dietitian is trained to give you support and advice for any dietary problems or questions that you may have.

These may include:

  • Weight changes
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Nausea
  • Taste changes
  • Dry mouth
  • Nutritional drink supplements
  • PEG feeding
  • Diabetes
  • Other dietary-related health problems eg. Coeliac disease
  • If you would like to see the dietitian during your treatment you can arrange a time by speaking to your oncology specialist, nurse or radiation therapist.

 



Print this Page

Last Updated 23/11/2007


Healthline.

Healthline

Phone 0800 611 116 for free 24-hour health advice.

Older Persons.

Older Persons' Services

Helpful information and links for older people.

Palmerston North Hospital.

Palmerston North Hospital

General information about Palmerston North Hospital.

Radiation Oncology.

Radiation Oncology

Visiting the Radiation Oncology Department.

Regional Cancer Treatment Service

Regional Cancer Treatment Services

Accessing the Regional Cancer Treatment Service.

Mental Health

Mental Health

What Mental Health services are available in MidCentral DHB?