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Nutrition Planning for Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

While undergoing radiation therapy to treat cancer, it’s possible your dietary habits may have to shift in order to support and sustain your health. As a dietitian specializing in oncology nutrition, I’ve worked with thousands of patients to help them understand how their diet can affect how they feel during treatment.

Your nutrition needs may vary depending on your:

  • Cancer type
  • Current condition
  • Age
  • Energy level or adrenal fatigue
  • Goals

While there are some general guidelines that can be helpful, it’s important to consult with your doctor or dietitian to formalize a plan best suited to you.

What is the best nutrition plan during proton radiation therapy?

First, see what resources are available to you through your radiation center. Some centers offer additional services to patients that work with you to establish a personalized nutrition plan. Additionally, there may be monthly or bi-monthly nutrition support groups for patients to attend where you can ask questions, interact with other patients, and learn new information in a comfortable, reputable environment.

If your treatment center offers nutrition services, I recommend taking full advantage of the time to get to know your dietitian. This allows your dietitian to work with you one-on-one and modify your diet based on how your body might be responding to treatment. Their goal is to safely usher you through treatment as easily and successfully as possible.

A good dietitian wants to set you up for success, long after your treatment is complete. If your treatment center does not offer nutrition services, you may want to seek out integrative nutrition services in your area. I highly recommend:

In general, a whole foods based diet is recommended, but suggested foods may vary based on the type of cancer, extent or the location.

What to eat

  • Healthy fats like avocado, nuts/nut butters, eggs, coconut oil, and olive oil.
  • Protein from fish, organic meats and vegetarian sources, such as quinoa and legumes.
  • Good carbs from fruits and vegetables.

What to avoid

  • Processed/Fast foods
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Excess added sugars
  • Excess alcohol
  • Smoking

Other considerations

  • Prioritize real foods, as opposed to overly processed foods (think the perimeter of the grocery store, local and organic as possible).
  • Your proton treatment may affect your ability to eat or alter your normal dietary intake.
  • Hydration is important. Water is preferred, but tea is okay; Ask your dietitian about whether or not you should have caffeine.
  • When, and if, you should take supplements may vary. (For example, you may be recommended to take supplements in the morning before a meal, at the end of the day, or not at all.
  • Type of cancer may affect dietary recommendations.

Having an expert available that can readily answer your questions is paramount. They will be able to provide extra support and adapt your diet throughout treatment.

Nutrition Based on Cancer Type

Some types of cancer have specific nutritional considerations in order to limit discomfort and better support your needs. Your dietitian can offer information specific to your diagnosis and dietary needs, but here are some general guidelines for some common cancer types.

Breast cancer nutrition

  • Avoid xenoestrogens, or hormone disruptors and environmental toxins (i.e. BPA plastics, certain body care products, cleaning products, pesticides, etc.)
  • Reduce excess added sugars.
  • Eat phytoestrogens, or isoflavones, such as flaxseeds, fermented soy, and red clover.
  • Incorporate cruciferous vegetables, green tea and fish.

Other considerations: Pre-existing risk factors may impact your dietitian’s recommendations for nutrition during radiation therapy for breast cancer patients. These include weight, smoking, and the health of your circulatory system. Your stress level and emotional health may alter recommendations. Where you are in the treatment journey (surgery, chemo, radiation) can impact your nutritional plan.

Prostate cancer nutrition

  • While in proton treatment, you may be asked to follow a low gas diet as excess gas/stool can affect your ability to line up easily for treatment. Things such as beans, dairy, cruciferous vegetables, and excess simple carbohydrates can cause gas.
  • Stay hydrated – It is recommended to drink half your body weight in ounces per day.
  • Fish, vegetarian sources of protein, minimal to moderate organic meat intake, fruits, and vegetables are recommended for long term prostate health.
  • Limit conventional meat and egg intake long term.
  • Avoid environmental disruptors (hormones, pesticides, chemicals).

Other considerations: Long-term meat intake has been linked to prostate cancer. Minimize your meat intake, and focus on moderation and organic meats, when consuming. Some self-care products may be problematic to your health. Tell your dietitian what products you use on your body.

Head and neck cancer nutrition

  • You may need to incorporate a baking soda/salt water rinse and coconut oil regimen during treatment to help with overall mouth health and prevent mucositis.
  • Getting adequate macronutrient intake in your diet is very important, especially protein and healthy fats.
  • Adding mct oils, collagen, chia seeds, flax seeds, bone broth, and protein powder can help to sustain the recommended nutrient intake.
  • Have ready-to-drink protein shakes (Kate Farms, Organic) available if eating is painful or difficult.

Other considerations: Because head and neck cancer directly affects your ability to eat, it is critical to get enough macronutrients and hydration during treatment (thus, the recommendation of drinkable protein and nutrients). Gentle exercises for your jaw or topical ointments may help with pain or burns associated with radiation.

A g-tube is not necessary for all patients; more than half of our California Protons head and neck cancer patients complete treatment without needing one. You may experience weight loss due to difficulty eating. Your dietitian and doctor will closely monitor this.

Pancreatic cancer nutrition

  • Adequate macronutrient intake from whole foods is most beneficial.
  • Small, easy-to-digest meals (bone broth, soups, smoothies) are generally recommended.
  • Pancreatic enzymes, digestive enzymes and anti-nausea medications can be prescribed to support appetite, digestion and ease discomfort.
  • Avoiding environmental pollutants such as PCB’s, solvents and pesticides may also be advantageous.

Other considerations: pancreatic cancer can be accompanied by nutrition issues and pain. A nutritionally dense, yet easy to digest diet will alleviate the stress of eating and ensure the most beneficial outcome for the patient.

Feeling Good About the Foods You Eat During Treatment

Reviewing your nutrition habits with a dietitian provides you with the reassurance that you’re taking the right steps. A proper plan will help you feel better and establish diet and lifestyle habits that you can implement beyond treatment. Ultimately, you will feel empowered, confident and in better control of your health.

Relieving Stress and Anxiety Through Healthy Eating Habits

Better eating habits are more than physically beneficial – they positively impact emotional health as well. Working with a dietitian can take the stress out of grocery shopping by providing a comprehensive nutrition plan for radiation patients to guide them through treatment and beyond. For treatment centers that offer monthly nutritional support groups, this is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and voice concerns in a safe, welcoming environment.

At California Protons Cancer Therapy Center, I have the privilege of meeting with each patient weekly to review how they are feeling throughout their treatment, and develop a plan for their success. My goal is to provide them the support they need to successfully complete their treatment in the most comfortable way possible, feeling healthy and confident during and after their cancer journey.

– Kathryn Holly Mott, RD, ONC

Upon meeting with your doctor, take advantage of the nutrition services provided by your radiation therapy center. Plan your visit today.


headshot of oncology nutrition dietitian Kathryn Holly Mott

Kathryn Holly Mott, RD, ONC is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition, with a background in psychology. Kathryn completed coursework in Nutrition at the University of Vermont, Northwestern University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and the Oncology Nutrition Institute.

Kathryn uses a progressive and integrative model of care, incorporating a number of factors into her health recommendations including food, exercise, stress reduction, relationships and more. She utilizes her vast knowledge of the latest in nutrition research to make specific recommendations based on cancer type, providing the most up-to-date nutrition information for each patient’s individual needs.

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