Making the healthiest choices possible to maintain good nutrition can help patients with pancreatic cancer minimize the side effects of treatment, recover from surgery, and maintain the best possible quality of life.
By working with a dietitian, patients can create a nutritional plan that best suits them and their specific needs, whether during treatment or as part of a long-term strategy to maintain health. These healthcare professionals are not only aware of the latest research, but they also provide important support and guidance to family and caregivers as they navigate their loved one’s diagnosis and treatment.
Jeannine Mills, a clinical oncology dietitian who is a member of PanCAN’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, is in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Dartmouth Cancer Center.
We asked Jeannine to share more about how a dietitian can help pancreatic cancer patients.
PanCAN: Let’s start with the basics. What is a registered dietitian?
Jeannine: A dietitian is a healthcare professional trained in food, nutrition, biochemistry and physiology. They are required to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition and complete an internship approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Finally, they must pass the national registration exam. Some states require licensing, so some dietitians may be both registered and licensed.
The terms “nutritionist” and “dietitian” are not interchangeable; “nutritionists” are not professionally regulated. A person can designate himself or herself as a “nutritionist” without the need for a degree or successful completion of a registration exam. However, since all dietitians are nutritionists, some refer to themselves as registered dietitians/nutritionists. When looking for the professionals most suitable for your team, it will be useful to pay attention to the differences!
I also recommend that patients with pancreatic cancer consult a clinical oncology dietitian; these are professionals specifically trained to work with patients facing a cancer diagnosis. They have a “CSO” certificate showing that they are an “Oncology Certified Specialist” in Nutrition.
PanCAN: Why are registered dietitians an important member of the healthcare team?
Jeannine: A dietitian can assess a patient’s needs and make recommendations that will best meet their nutritional needs at various stages of their journey (whether immediately after surgery, during chemotherapy or radiation, or managing health long-term).
Needs change over time and each individual will be different; therefore, it is important for the dietitian to work in close coordination with the rest of the patient’s healthcare team. For example, it is common for me to be a part of an initial appointment with someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, to do post-operative visits after the Whipple procedure and other pancreatic surgeries, and to be with patients during surgery. in treatment or clinic visits.
In general, a dietitian can help manage symptoms and side effects from the cancer itself or treatment. They focus on improving the patient’s health by providing both practical advice and serving as a trusted guide. One of the most helpful things I have found I can do for patients is to let them know that the nutritional problems they are experiencing (feeling full, loss of appetite, changes in bowel function, changes in taste) are common complaints. by other patients and this helps put their minds at ease.
PanCAN: How should I prepare for my dietician’s visit?
Jeannine: Bring your questions and concerns! Be prepared to open a dialogue about how you approach diet and nutrition, the symptoms you are experiencing, and what you would like to address to improve your health. If you have researched diet and nutrition on the web yourself, discuss your findings with the dietitian.
Depending on a patient’s specific needs (whether they are preparing for surgery, undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation, or moving into a long-term care phase), a dietitian will come up with recommendations tailored to the patient’s condition to improve quality of life.
For example, we may offer tips to combat weight loss, such as focusing on specific protein sources or adding calorie-dense foods to the diet. Or foods that may be better tolerated if nausea is an issue. Pancreatic enzymes may be important for many patients, and a dietitian can advise on dosage and other best practices.
Some general questions to consider:
- What can I add to my current diet to make sure I’m hitting both my protein and overall calorie goals?
- Are there any foods I should avoid?
- Are there foods that are better tolerated when I experience bloating, gas, or discomfort while eating?
- How can I deal with lack of appetite and decreased motivation to help myself prepare and consume food, especially when it comes to fatigue?
- Are there any online resources you recommend with helpful recipes or cookbooks?
PanCAN: How do I find a registered dietitian?
Jeannine: You can always contact PanCAN Patient Services. The team provides invaluable guidance to patients and families when searching for a dietitian and addressing their nutrition questions and concerns. Additionally, the patient’s oncologist or cancer center often has recommendations for dietitians. You can also visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ website, eatright.org, to search for a dietitian in your area. The Commission on Dietetic Registration at cdrnet.org maintains a list of board-certified specialists in oncology nutrition by state.
