Nutrition plays an integral role in all aspects of the cancer journey, from the time of diagnosis through treatment and after treatment. Given the various side effects of cancer treatment- it can be challenging to meet all the nutritional needs for those touched by cancer. The American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and the American Institute of Cancer Research provide evidence-based nutrition guidelines that may help reduce the risk of recurrence of certain types of cancers (i.e., breast, colon, prostate, esophageal, stomach and pancreas). These same guidelines would apply to any individual that has completed cancer treatment and is trying to optimize their health and well-being. For all the wonderful nutrition information  available to cancer survivors, there is plenty of misinformation. At The Gathering Place we offer a wide variety of programs, resources and information to help educate the cancer survivor in making the best decision for their nutritional needs.

For more information and recipes we suggest the following sites:

The American Institute for Cancer Research
American Cancer Society
Cancer Project

Finally, remember that there is a time and a place for “comfort foods” when you are dealing with or recovering from surgery and other treatments. Doctors are concerned about patients with cancer who lose weight because they have altered tastes, a lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing or chewing. Our participants have given us the suggestion that you shouldn’t use your absolute favorite comfort foods because they will forever be linked in your mind and memory with the chemotherapy experience. That is, if you still want to like tapioca pudding when this is all over, don’t use it to soothe your sore mouth now! For more information on managing side effects of cancer treatment visit the American Cancer Society.

We have literature in the library that addresses all of these concerns as well as opportunities to learn from our nutritionist Beth Roth, PT, RD/LD, MA, MS. Click here to download a pdf of all our upcoming nutrition programs.