Oncology Nutrition

Oncology Nutrition is the area of nutrition specialised in dietary support for people diagnosed with any type of cancer, aiming to optimise nutritional status, improve quality of life and help during the various phases of cancer treatment.

Who should turn to Oncology Nutrition?

Anyone diagnosed with cancer can benefit from this support, including:

• Newly diagnosed patients who need to strengthen their bodies before treatment;

• Patients who are undergoing active cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy), who may suffer side effects such as weight gain or loss, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and gastrointestinal changes;

• Cancer survivors seeking a balanced diet for recovery and prevention of recurrence;

• Family members and carers who want to understand how to offer appropriate food to the patient, and at the same time adapt the family’s diet so that it becomes a sustainable adjustment for everyone.

When is Oncology Nutrition needed?

At all stages, from the moment there is a diagnosis. The nutritionist will accompany the patient through all phases, adapting food choices and routines to the specifics of each moment of the cancer journey.

🔹 At diagnosis: Adequate nutrition strengthens the immune system to face treatment and thus reduces the risk of complications.

🔹 During treatment: There are aspects that can change, namely muscle mass, appetite, taste, nutrient absorption, among others. Physical changes also occur, such as side effects of treatments, like mucositis, dry mouth, diarrhoea/constipation. In addition, it has been proven that interactions can occur between nutrients/foods and the medicines used in cancer treatment. For these reasons, specialised nutritional support is essential in order to work around the common consequences of treatments and also to optimise the effects of therapies.

🔹 After treatment: Nutrition individualised to each patient, according to their specific characteristics, contributes to recovery and minimising the after-effects of treatment, maintaining metabolic health and inflammatory patterns, and also preventing recurrence.

Nutritional support should always be individualised, taking into account each patient’s specific needs, with the main goal of supporting, accompanying and advising the patient, and also ensuring improvement in their health and quality of life.

At Tecnifisio, we are pleased to have a Nutritionist specialised in Oncology on the team, ready to see you. Just get in touch and book your appointment.

See also: clinical nutrition consultations in Lagos.