Cancer Nutrition Counseling
UCSF Health's cancer care team includes dietitians who focus solely on working with cancer patients, providing nutritional guidance during treatment and beyond. We offer several free services, described below.
Nutrition counseling
If you're a UCSF cancer patient and you'd like to meet with a dietitian for one-on-one nutrition counseling, please contact your UCSF oncology practice for a referral and scheduling. Nutrition counseling is free for all UCSF cancer patients, although donations are appreciated.
Our dietitians can address such topics as:
- Dietary recommendations for specific types of cancer
- Guidance on nutrition and food safety for certain cancer treatments
- Tips for coping with symptoms such as appetite changes, chewing or swallowing difficulties, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and unwanted weight loss or gain
- Nutritional recommendations for cancer survivors
- Dietary supplement recommendations
Nutrition seminars
UCSF dietitian Greta Macaire regularly leads nutrition workshops, which are open to the public. Topics include:
- Prostate cancer and nutrition
- Nutrition during radiation and chemotherapy treatments
- Dietary supplements
- Phytonutrients
- Plant-based diets
- Myths and facts related to nutrition and cancer
Suggestions on new topics are welcome. For more information and to register, please email or call the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center.
In addition, the Patient and Family Cancer Support Center occasionally offers nutrition workshops and demonstration-style cooking classes. Please contact the center for more information.
Recommended reading
Nutrition Plans for Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment
Side effects of cancer treatment may include a loss of appetite and nausea. Find out what foods to avoid and which ones may help you feel better.
Diet Modifications for Nausea and Vomiting
Diet modifications can help reduce nausea or vomiting. Get tips for minimizing nausea, including at mealtimes.
Healthy Ways to Increase Calories and Protein
If your care provider wants you to add more calories and protein to your diet, here are some healthy ways to boost both.
Nutrition and Coping with Cancer Symptoms
Side effects of cancer treatment may affect your eating habits. Find new ways to get the calories, protein and nutrients you need.
Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Good nutrition may reduce the incidence of prostate cancer and help reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression. Learn more.
Nutrition Tips for Patients Receiving Head and Neck Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can affect your appetite and ability to eat. Find tips and recipes to maintain good nutrition even if you cannot eat solid food.
Related services
Cancer Exercise Counseling
Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.
Core and More Class for Cancer Patients
A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!
Friend to Friend Specialty Shops
A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.
Kôz Hospitality House
Kôz Hospitality House provides comfortable, reasonably priced accommodations near our Parnassus campus for UCSF patients during their treatment.
Meditation and Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients
Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program
If you're caring for someone with a brain tumor, our program can help with guidance, information, resources and support at this difficult time. Find out more.
Oncology Social Work
Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.
Patient & Family Cancer Support Center
The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.
Peer Support Programs for Cancer
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."
UCSF Patient Support Corps
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is stressful. Get guidance, support and answers to your questions here as you consider your options and make decisions.