Nutrition Is Essential Through the Cancer Journey

Two dietitians discuss the important role that food and nutrition play from diagnosis to survivorship.

Food plays a crucial role through all stages of the cancer experience, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship. This was a key takeaway at a recent patient education program, “Nutrition for Optimal Health” that was hosted by the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

Tracy Meissner, RD, and Lori Magoulas, Ph.D., RD, both dietitians at the Rutgers Cancer Institute, explained that food — particularly protein and liquid intake – can be vital when someone is facing a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, maintaining caloric intake can help ensure that patients have enough energy to go to treatments and continue taking the current dose of their medications.