Oncology Dietitian Services
Supporting Cancer Patients Through Nutrition
Cancer treatment is a journey that affects both the body and mind. At OPSAN, we understand the vital role nutrition plays during this challenging time.
Our expert oncology dietitians are here to guide patients through personalized dietary plans that support their treatment, ease side effects, and improve overall well-being. Whether you're undergoing chemotherapy, managing specific cancer types, or looking for holistic nutritional guidance, OPSAN is your trusted partner.
Why Nutrition Is Crucial During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy can significantly impact a patient’s appetite, digestion, and overall nutritional status. Maintaining a balanced diet becomes essential to:
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Support the immune system.
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Aid in tissue repair and recovery.
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Manage treatment side effects like nausea, fatigue, and weight loss.
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Improve energy levels and overall strength.
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At OPSAN, our oncology dietitians work closely with you to create a nutritional plan that complements your treatment and addresses your specific needs.
The Role of an Oncology Dietitian During Chemotherapy
What is Chemotherapy?
​Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. While it is a critical part of cancer treatment, chemotherapy can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects that impact your nutritional intake.
Nutritional Challenges During Chemotherapy
Some common nutritional issues faced by chemotherapy patients include:
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Loss of appetite
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Nausea and vomiting
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Diarrhea or constipation
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Changes in taste and smell
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Mouth sores and difficulty swallowing
How OPSAN Dietitians Can Help
OPSAN’s oncology dietitians are trained to provide dietary solutions tailored to manage these challenges. They will work with you to:
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Suggest foods that are gentle on the stomach but provide essential nutrients.
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Guide you through foods that boost immunity and help in recovery.
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Adjust your diet based on how you feel during each chemotherapy cycle.
Diet During Chemotherapy: What Should You Eat?
High-Protein Foods
Protein helps your body recover and maintain strength during treatment. In India, you can include:
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Lentils (Dal): Masoor dal, toor dal, and moong dal are easy to digest and rich in protein.
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Paneer (Cottage Cheese): A versatile and protein-rich option, ideal in curries or grilled.
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Curd (Dahi): Rich in probiotics, it aids digestion and boosts immunity.
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Eggs and Chicken: Light preparations like boiled or scrambled eggs, and simple chicken curry or soup.
Complex Carbohydrates
Energy-boosting carbohydrates should be light and easily digestible:
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Rice and Khichdi: Simple, easy on the stomach, and a good source of energy.
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Chapati (Whole Wheat): A fiber-rich option when paired with mild vegetable curries.
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Vegetables: Include seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, spinach, and carrots, cooked lightly to retain nutrients.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats support overall health during cancer treatment:
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Ghee (Clarified Butter): In moderation, ghee is an excellent source of energy and supports digestion.
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Coconut: Coconut chutney or adding fresh coconut to curries is a healthy way to include fats.
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Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are easy to incorporate into your daily meals.
Hydration
Keeping hydrated is crucial to manage chemotherapy side effects:
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Buttermilk (Chaas): A great way to stay hydrated and balance the digestive system.
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Coconut Water: Helps in replenishing electrolytes and is gentle on the stomach.
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Herbal Teas: Ginger tea or tulsi (holy basil) tea can help with nausea and inflammation.
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Soups
Diet for Specific Cancers: Tailored Nutritional Plans
Different types of cancer require different dietary approaches. At OPSAN, our dietitians develop personalized nutrition plans based on your type of cancer and treatment.
Diet for Breast Cancer Patients
Breast cancer patients can benefit from a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Seasonal options like amla (Indian gooseberry), guava, and papaya are rich in antioxidants, while barley, ragi (finger millet), and brown rice offer wholesome fiber and energy.
Diet for Colorectal Cancer Patients
For colorectal cancer, easily digestible foods like soft roti, curd rice, and light dal soups are recommended. Steamed vegetables such as bottle gourd (lauki) and carrots are gentle on the digestive system. Limit spicy foods to avoid irritation.
Diet for Lung Cancer Patients
Patients with lung cancer often need smaller, more frequent meals. Foods like idli, upma, and poha (flattened rice) are light yet nourishing. Include fresh fruits such as pomegranate, apples, and bananas to keep energy levels up.
Diet for Stomach Cancer Patients
For those dealing with stomach cancer, mild, non-spicy foods are key. Incorporate dal khichdi, soft rotis, and mashed vegetables like potatoes or pumpkin. Ensure meals are small and frequent to avoid discomfort.
Diet for Prostate Cancer Patients
A plant-based diet, rich in green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and omega-3 from flaxseeds and walnuts, is highly beneficial. Include dishes like palak (spinach) curry, methi (fenugreek) paratha, and baingan bharta (mashed brinjal) for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Managing Side Effects with Indian Diets
Nausea and Vomiting
For nausea, stick to bland and easy-to-digest foods like rice porridge (kanji), coconut water, and sattu (roasted gram flour drink). Ginger-infused tea can help soothe the stomach.
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Mouth Sores
Opt for soft, non-acidic foods like soft paneer, banana shakes, and boiled eggs. Avoid spicy and acidic foods that may worsen sores.
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Fatigue
Eat energy-rich snacks like chikki (jaggery and peanut bars), dry fruits, and besan ladoos (gram flour sweets). Small frequent meals like daliya (broken wheat) or sabudana khichdi can help keep energy levels steady.
Why Choose OPSAN’s Oncology Dietitians?
OPSAN’s dietitians are not just experts in nutrition—they are compassionate guides who understand the physical and emotional toll cancer can take. Our personalized approach ensures:
Expert Knowledge
With a deep understanding of oncology nutrition, our dietitians tailor each plan to your cancer type and treatment.
Holistic Care
Our team integrates nutrition with other aspects of cancer care, such as pain management, counseling, and chemotherapy treatments.
Comprehensive Support
We provide more than just dietary advice. From meal planning to emotional support, we help patients navigate their entire treatment journey.
Patient-Centered Approach
We listen to your concerns, preferences, and symptoms to create a plan that is both practical and effective.