Oncology

Nutrition

Manage your appetite changes and maintain strength while living with cancer.with help from our oncology nutrition team.

Stay Nourished During Cancer Treatment

If you have cancer, nutrition plays a key role in supporting your strength and recovery. Our oncology nutrition team provides personalized dietary guidance throughout your treatment.

Everyone’s nutritional needs are different. Your oncology dietitian will create an individualized plan to address weight loss, digestive issues, and taste changes while supporting your overall health.

Expert Support from an Oncology Dietitian

Our registered dietitians specialize in oncology nutrition, and we understand how cancer treatments can affect your eating and digestion. You’ll receive tips for symptom management, supplements, and practical ways to feel better during treatment.

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Overview

Eating well is important, but during cancer treatment, it can be difficult. Chemotherapy and radiation can affect your appetite and change the way food tastes. We offer nutrition services to manage these challenges and keep your body nourished.

As a cancer patient at The Christ Hospital Health Network, medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an essential part of your care. You’ll work with our registered dietitian to create a personalized diet guide. This plan can help you manage treatment-related concerns, such as weight loss, digestion issues, and taste alterations.

If you’re interested in meeting with our dietitian, talk to a member of your cancer care team.

Optimizing Nutrition Class

Our oncology dietitian educates patients about symptom management, vitamin and mineral supplements, and other nutrition tips. Watch the video below to learn more about these topics.

Wellness YOUniversity

Our 8-week Wellness YOUniversity series focuses on supporting your health during and after cancer treatment. Session topics include nutrition, exercise, sleep, gut health and more. You can participate in person at our Mt. Auburn Cancer Center or join virtually. The program is free for all patients of The Christ Hospital Physicians-Hematology & Oncology.

Registration is required. Spots fill quickly, so ask a member of your care team or call 513-585-4250 to reserve your place.

Download our flyer for more information

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Education Centered on Your Wellness

Through our collaborative partnership with The Dana Farber Cancer Center, the resources below are available for patients looking to optimize their diet and nutrition throughout the cancer journey.

Featured Blogs

- Nutrition & Weight Management
- Cancer
BlogApril 17, 2023
By Laura Loch, RDN, CSO, LD, Clinical Dietitian with The Christ Hospital Health Network Cancer Center
Nutrition is important for patients fighting cancer. But what can patients with head and neck cancer do when their cancer and treatment make eating a challenge?
Learn More
Tasty Tips: Eating Suggestions for People with Head and Neck Cancer
- Nutrition & Weight Management
- Cancer
BlogMarch 14, 2023
By Kristen Leavitt, MHA, RDN, CSP, LD
Diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer are on the rise in younger adults under age 50. Clinical dietitian Kristen Leavitt shares simple ways you can lower your risk through better nutrition.
Learn More
Nutrition Tips to Reduce Your Colorectal Cancer Risk
- Breast Health
- Cancer
BlogOctober 13, 2022
By Chelsie, B105 radio personality, and Sarah Heffron, MEd, RD, CSO, clinical dietitian with The Christ Hospital Cancer Center
You know the foods you eat can have a powerful effect on your overall health – even preventing cancer. Find out what B-105 radio personality Chelsie learned about fine-tuning her diet.
Learn More
Beat Cancer One Bite at a Time
- Nutrition & Weight Management
BlogOctober 01, 2022
By Sarah Heffron, MEd, RD, CSO, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center
Flaxseed is an ancient grain and super food with many health benefits. Get started adding it to your diet with our Flax Cinna-Muffin-in-a-Mug recipe!
Learn More
Flax: The Wonder Seed + Cinna-Muffin in a Mug Recipe
- Nutrition & Weight Management
- Cancer
- Men's Health
BlogSeptember 22, 2022
By Laura Loch, RDN, LD, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center
Some prostate cancer treatments carry a risk for developing osteoporosis and brittle bones. Learn how adding a nutritionist to your care team can fortify those bones with a food-based approach.
Learn More
Bone-Fortifying Foods to Consider During Prostate Cancer Treatment
- Nutrition & Weight Management
- Cancer
BlogMarch 11, 2022
By Sarah Heffron, M.Ed., RD, CSO, Clinical Dietician, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center
This simple and healthy recipe is not only delicious, it's also packed with cancer-fighting nutrients. Watch the video and give it a try!
Learn More
Pumpkin Hummus Recipe
- Cancer
- Lung Health
BlogNovember 11, 2021
By Sarah Heffron, MEd, RD, CSO, Clinical Dietician, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center
Most of know the impact that smoking has on the lungs, but there are factors that can help keep your lungs healthy and reduce your risk for lung cancer. Read on to learn more.
Learn More
Habits That Help Keep Your Lungs Healthy
- Nutrition & Weight Management
- Breast Health
- Cancer
BlogOctober 27, 2021
By Sarah Heffron, MEd, RD, CSO, Clinical Dietician, The Christ Hospital Cancer Center
Lifestyle prevention measures like eating a healthy diet and being physically active can significantly help lower the risk of breast cancer. Learn more about the American Cancer Society's guidelines and try a new recipe packed with cancer-fighting foods!
Learn More
Can Food and Physical Activity Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

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More Oncology Nutrition Resources

Learn more about healthy eating from these trusted cancer organizations and centers:

Cookbook Resources

Eating Well Through Cancer: Easy Recipes & Tips to Guide You Through Treatment and Cancer Prevention, 3rd edition, by Holly Clegg and Gerald Mieltello. Southwestern Publishing Group, 2016.
The Essential Cancer Treatment Nutrition Guide and Cookbook, by Jean Lamantia, RD, and Neil Berinstein, MD. Rose, Robert Incorporated, 2012.
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery, 2nd edition, by Rebecca Katz and Mat Edelson. Ten Speed Press, 2017.
What to Eat During Cancer Treatment, 2nd edition, by Jeanne Besser and Barbara Grant. American Cancer Society, 2018.

Our Dietitians

Kristen Leavitt, MHA, RDN, CSO, LD
Clinical Dietitian, Oncology
Laura Loch RDN, CSO, LD
Clinical Dietitian, Oncology
Lindsey Kolanowski, MS, RDN, LD
Clinical Dietitian, Oncology

Nutrition