The Importance of Oncology Dietitians in Cancer Care

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are essential in delivering personalized nutritional guidance, monitoring nutritional status, and implementing interventions to address emerging challenges in cancer care.

by Christina DiSegna, MS, RD, CSO, CNSC, LDN

The role of nutrition in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship has been well-demonstrated. Decades of research have shown that nutrition, particularly a diet rich in plant-based foods, is important for cancer prevention and survivorship. Moreover, both cancer and its treatments can lead to malnutrition, with estimates indicating between 30% and 80% of patients, depending on stage and type of treatment. Poor nutritional status and malnutrition are associated with decreased tolerance to cancer treatment, lower quality of life, and overall mortality. Recent studies have also illustrated the advantages of nutrition-related interventions during cancer treatment. Additionally, the general public recognizes the importance of nutrition in managing chronic diseases and is actively seeking information on how to incorporate it into their cancer care. Therefore, nutrition is essential throughout the entire cancer journey,

Registered Dietitians (RDs) are essential in delivering personalized nutritional guidance, monitoring nutritional status, and implementing interventions to address emerging challenges in cancer care. RDs receive specialized training in medical nutrition therapy (MNT), enabling them to offer personalized nutrition assessments, therapies, and counseling that focus on managing disease. MNT in oncology care improves treatment tolerance, reduces treatment interruptions, decreases weight and lean body mass loss, improves physical function, increases quality of life, decreases hospitalizations and length of stay, and may improve survival. Furthermore, RDs play a critical role in providing MNT aimed at cancer prevention and survivorship by offering education, support, and personalized guidance tailored to each patient’s nutritional objectives.

Despite the critical role of RDs and MNT in oncology care, consistent access to nutritional support in outpatient oncology settings remains insufficient. A study revealed that there is only one RD for every 2,308 cancer patients, while the ideal ratio is one RD for every 120 patients. This finding aligns with reports indicating that up to 66% of patients feel their nutritional information needs are not being met during cancer treatment, with many stating they lack access to a dietitian. Several logistical challenges contribute to this issue, including the limited integration of dietitians within the cancer care system, insufficient staffing of RDs, and the inability to bill for nutrition counseling. These factors hinder the provision of routine nutritional care alongside cancer treatment.

Find a Dietitian

As a patient or caregiver, it is crucial to advocate for routine nutritional care throughout every stage of a cancer journey. If a dietitian is available at your cancer center, be sure to request a referral at the time of diagnosis. This dietitian will offer guidance during treatment and into survivorship. If your cancer center lacks a dietitian, you can still find one in your local area. Due to increased availability of telemedicine, patients now have greater access to virtual consultations with registered dietitians, even if they are not physically present at the cancer center. To find a dietitian, utilize the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ “Find an Expert” tool, which allows you to search for RDs in your region. This resource enables you to look for both in-person and telemedicine providers. Moreover, some RDs hold the title of Certified Specialists in Oncology Nutrition (CSO), indicating that they have completed extensive hours of medical nutrition therapy in oncology and passed a board certification exam. You can filter your search for dietitians based on this specialty or credential.

Why a Dietitian?

Dietitians play an essential role in cancer care by ensuring that individuals diagnosed with cancer receive the necessary nutritional support throughout their medical journey. In today’s digital age, where information is plentiful, their expertise in medical nutrition therapy is more crucial than ever. They provide personalized nutritional guidance, offer evidence-based recommendations, and help patients navigate the overwhelming amount of information available, assisting them in identifying credible sources. Consistent access to a dietitian throughout the spectrum of cancer care is important in improving health outcomes.

About the Author

Christina DiSegna is a senior oncology dietitian/nutritionist, a board-certified oncology specialist and a board-certified nutrition support clinician.

She received her undergraduate degree at Boston College, post-graduate degrees from Tufts University and Simmons College, and completed her dietetic internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She has worked in clinical nutrition at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and as a cancer care specialist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.