The effect of diet and nutrition on cancer prevention and recurrence (the return of cancer after treatment) is one of the most studied topics in medicine. Cancer treatment often affects a person's eating habits and nutritional needs. Although it is important for people with cancer to maintain a healthy body weight and eat nutritious foods, the side effects of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may cause a person to eat less and lose weight. On the other hand, some treatments may cause weight gain for some patients.
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Oncology Dietitian Nutritionists are board-certified and trained in oncology nutrition. They provide evidence-based recommendations that are proven by scientific research and clinical experience. Education and support are provided to help prevent treatment delays and decrease side effects from treatment. Individual counseling is offered during treatment and continues until a return to improved health is assured. Personalized food and supplement recommendations are provided to correct nutritional deficiencies and help enhance nutritional health and well being.
For more information, visit the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center website or call (805) 879-5652.
Oncology Nutrition
General Nutrition
These are just a few highlights from the Resource Library collection. Please click here to search our online catalog. For more information about the Resource Library and how to borrow materials, visit our website.
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen, Second Edition by 
What to Eat During Cancer Treatment by 
Foods to Fight Cancer: What to Eat to Reduce Your Risk by 
The Meals to Heal Cookbook: 150 Easy, Nutritionally Balanced Recipes to Nourish You During Your Fight With Cancer by 
Cook for Your Life: Delicious, Nourishing Recipes for Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment by 
The Living Kitchen: Healing Recipes to Support Your Body During Cancer Treatment and Recovery by 
Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How the Body Can Heal Itself by 
Cancer Dietitian Podcast with Julie Lanford, MPH, RD, CSO, LDNWelcome to The Cancer Dietitian Podcast! Join Julie Lanford, MPH, RD, CSO, LDN, a bonafide expert in oncology nutrition, as she guides you through the forest of nutrition and cancer information.
For more recommended podcasts, see our Cancer Basics InfoGuide.
American Cancer Society - Eating Well During and After Treatment - 4 minutes
American Cancer Society Director of Nutrition and Physical Activity Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, explains why eating well and maintaining a healthy weight, while recommended for everyone, is especially important for cancer survivors.
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center - Nutrition and Immunity: Supporting Your Immune System with Foods and Other Lifestyle Choices - 29:00 minutes
The immune system is constantly working to defend the body from infection, injury and disease. Diets that lack certain nutrients may disrupt the production and activity of immune cells. Rebecca Colvin, Oncology Dietitian Nutritionist at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, discusses foods and lifestyle choices that will help support your immune system.
MGH Cancer Center - Fighting Cancer with Your Fork: Mindful Eating - 58:00 minutes
Amy Comander, MD (Director of Breast Oncology and Survivorship at Mass General Waltham and Newton-Wellesley Hospital), Carol Sullivan, RD (Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition), and Samantha Bateman, RD (Clinical Dietitian) review evidence-based nutrition recommendations for cancer survivors, and discuss how food can be used to strengthen your body during treatment and beyond.
Food safety is important for cancer patients during and after treatment. Cancer and cancer treatments can weaken your immune system making it harder for your body to protect itself from food borne illnesses, also known as food poisoning. These resources provide information on identifying the signs of food borne illnesses and how to prevent them.
Sarah Washburn, MS, RDN, CSO, Manager of Oncology Nutrition at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, shares six food safety tips to help you minimize the risk of developing a foodborne illness during cancer treatment. Click here to download the printable guide for this presentation.
