Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers many options to learn more about your diet and nutritional health.

Nutritional Services is staffed by registered, licensed dietitians with a focus in nutrition oncology. The majority of the dietitians at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center are board-certified in oncology nutrition through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Nutritional services are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients can be seen in the treatment area and during clinic visits with the oncologist, or through a private consultation. All consultations are complementary.

Meeting Your Nutrition Needs During Cancer Treatment

The dietitians (licensed nutritionists) can meet with you and your family on a variety of nutrition topics, including:

Managing eating problems and symptoms related to your surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, such as weight loss and appetite issues.
Safe food handling and preparation.
Nutrition education and guidance on various diets, including the plant-based diet from the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Review and analyze current intake to better formulate eating tips to meet vitamin and mineral needs through diet.
Assistance with specialized feeding treatments (tube feedings).
Managing unintended weight loss or gain through lifestyle nutrition for the cancer journey.
List of cookbooks, resources, and programs to support your well being.

"Ask a Dietitian"

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center offers "Ask the Nutritionist" classes on a bi-weekly basis. All classes are held from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Gumberg Family Resource Center. For more information, call 412-864-7500.

2016-2017 Class Schedule

Feb. 14	Fiber Facts for Constipation
Feb. 28	Food Safety
March 14	Eating the Colors of the Rainbow
March 28	Nutrition During Cancer Treatments
April 11	Cancer Survivor Nutrition
April 25	Eating Tips for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
May 9	Nutrition for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship
May 23	Combating Taste Changes During Treatment
June 13	Staying Hydrated During Treatment
June 27	How to Eat with Oral Mucositis
July 11	Protein Powders: What is the right choice?
July 25	Fiber Facts and Constipation
Aug. 8	Food Safety
Aug. 22	Eating the Colors of the Rainbow
Sept. 12	Nutrition During Cancer Treatments
Sept. 26	Eating Tips for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Contact Cancer Nutrition Services

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Phone: 412-623-3325

Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center at UPMC Shadyside
Phone: 412-623-6720

Network locations
Talk with your oncologist or oncology nurse for more information.