by
Making the healthiest choices possible to maintain good nutrition can help patients with pancreatic cancer minimize treatment side effects, recover from surgery and maintain the best possible quality of life.
By working with a dietitian, patients can create a nutrition plan that works best for them and their specific needs, whether during treatment or as part of a long-term health maintenance strategy. Not only are these health professionals up-to-date on the latest research, they provide important support and guidance to family and caregivers as they navigate their loved one’s diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical oncology dietitian Jeannine Mills, a member of the PanCAN Scientific & Medical Advisory Board, is with the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Dartmouth Cancer Center.
We asked Jeannine to share more about how a dietitian can help pancreatic cancer patients.
PanCAN: Let’s start with the basics. What is a registered dietitian?
Jeannine: A dietitian is a health care professional trained in food, nutrition, biochemistry and physiology. They must complete an undergraduate or graduate degree in nutrition and an internship certified by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Finally, they must pass the national registration exam. Some states require licensure, so some dietitians may be registered and licensed.
The terms “nutritional” and “dietetic” are not interchangeable – “nutritionists” are not professionally regulated. A person can refer to themselves as a “nutritionist” without successfully completing a degree or registration exam. However, since all dietitians are nutritionists, some refer to themselves as a registered dietitian/nutritionist. It’s helpful to note the differences when looking for the best professionals for your team!
I would also recommend that patients with pancreatic cancer seek out a clinical oncology dietitian – these are professionals specifically trained to work with patients diagnosed with cancer. They have the accredited “CSO” to indicate that they are a certified “Certified Specialist in Oncology”.
PanCAN: Why are registered dietitians an important member of the health care team?
Jeannine: A dietitian can assess a patient’s needs and provide recommendations to best meet their nutritional needs during the various stages of their journey – whether right after surgery, during chemotherapy or radiation or health to manage for the long term.
Needs change over time and each person will be different, so it is vital that the dietitian works closely with the rest of the patient’s healthcare team. For example, it is common for me to be part of the initial appointment with someone after they have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, to do post-operative visits after the Whipple procedure and other pancreatic surgeries, and to be on-site with patients during the time. treatment or at clinic visits.
Overall, a dietitian can help manage the symptoms and side effects of the cancer itself or from treatment. They are aimed at improving the well-being of patients – through practical recommendations and by serving as a reliable guide. One of the most helpful things I’ve found I can do for patients is to let them know that the nutritional challenges they may have are common complaints – feelings of fullness, lack of appetite, changes in bowel function. bowel, changes in taste. by other patients and helps ease their minds.
PanCAN: How should I prepare for my visit with my dietitian?
Jeannine: Bring your questions and concerns! Be prepared to open a dialogue about how you have been approaching diet and nutrition, the symptoms you are experiencing and what you would like to address to improve your health. If you have researched diet and nutrition on the web, discuss your findings with the dietitian.
Depending on the specific needs of the patient – whether they are getting ready for surgery or receiving treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation or moving into a long-term maintenance phase – a dietitian will make recommendations tailored to their situation to improve quality of life.
For example, we can offer tips to combat weight loss, such as focusing on certain protein sources or adding calorie dense foods to the diet. Or foods that may be better tolerated if nausea is a problem. Pancreatic enzymes can be critical for many patients and a dietitian can advise on dosages and other best practices.
Some general questions to consider:
- What can I add to my current diet to ensure I meet both my protein and overall calorie goals?
- Are there foods I should avoid?
- Are there foods that are better tolerated when eating with bloating, gas or discomfort?
- How can I manage a low appetite and reduced motivation to help myself prepare and eat foods, especially when tired?
- Are there any online resources you would recommend that include helpful recipes or cookbooks?
PanCAN: How do I find a registered dietitian?
Jeannine: You can always contact PanCAN Patient Services. The team provides valuable guidance to patients and families as they seek a dietitian and address nutrition-related questions and concerns. In addition, a patient’s oncologist or cancer center often has recommendations for a dietitian. You can also visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, eatright.org, to search for a dietitian in your area. The Commission on Dietetic Registration, at cdrnet.org, maintains a list of board-certified specialists in oncology nutrition by state.
