Registered Dietitians and Nutrition Counseling
Nutrition counseling by registered dietitian nutritionists is available for all patients treated for cancer at the Abramson Cancer Centers. Our dietitians specialize in cancer nutrition and provide information based on sound nutritional therapies. Throughout treatment, a well-balanced nutrition plan can improve tolerance and response to therapy and promote recovery.
Nutrition Counseling
Our dietitian/nutritionists offer individualized counseling to patients and their families on diet and nutrition to help during and after cancer treatments.
Nutrition counseling includes:
- Assessing and instruction on your individual nutritional status based on your type of cancer, medical history, personal preferences and treatment plan
- Suggesting foods and strategies to help maintain weight
- Managing treatment related side effects that may impact the ability to eat
- Instruction on food preparation steps to help patients conserve energy
- Identify ways to obtain adequate hydration
- Analyzing drug/nutrient interactions between chemotherapy medications and herbs or nutritional supplements
- Providing guidance for using complementary therapies and cancer diets
To Contact a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Dietitian/nutritionists are available at the following Abramson Cancer Center locations. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the number listed below:
- The Tracey Birnhak Nutritional Counseling Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: 215-615-0534
- The Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program at Pennsylvania Hospital: 215-829-6466
- Penn Medicine Valley Forge: 215-615-0534
- Penn Medicine Radnor: 215-829-6560
- Penn Medicine Cherry Hill: Please contact your Cherry Hill oncologist for assistance scheduling an appointment
- Chester County Hospital: 610-738-2835
- The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health: 717-544-9400
Nutrition Classes
The Abramson Cancer Centers offers nutrition classes at our locations throughout the region. The classes provide information and recommendations on diet and nutrition to help patients both during and after treatment. All classes are taught by Abramson Cancer Center registered dietitian/nutritionists. For additional information and to register please call the number listed below:
- The Tracey Birnhak Nutritional Counseling Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Nutrition from A-Z: Answers to your nutrition and diet questions
Are you confused by all the information on cancer and nutrition? This class reviews the latest cancer related diet and nutrition topics. For class dates and to register, call 215-615-0538.
- Nutrition and Diet for Breast Cancer
Focus on nutrition choices for breast cancer patients during and after treatment to support health and wellness throughout your journey. Whether you are looking for practical tips to support your immune system or the benefits of weight management after treatment, this class is for YOU! This class is offered quarterly. For class dates and to register, call 215-615-0538.
- Nutrition and Diet for Prostate Cancer
This workshop, designed for prostate cancer patients, discusses the latest nutrition research and offers practical tips to best support your overall health during and after cancer treatment. This class is offered quarterly. For class dates and to register, call 215-615-0538.
- The Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program at Pennsylvania Hospital
- Cooking Nutritious & Delicious Food
Come experience new flavors and foods with cancer fighting properties. This class is offered quarterly. For class dates and to register, call 215-829-6560.
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- Holistic Living Challenge
This is a 7 week, 2 hour intensive program on making lifestyle changes in the areas of nutrition, sleep, physical activity, healthy relationships, breathing and mindfulness. This program is most appropriate after cancer treatment during the recovery phase. For class dates and to register, call 215-829-6737.
- The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health
- Ca.R.E. - Cancer Rehab and Exercise Program
Developed by Lancaster General Health and the YMCA to provide a safe and supportive environment for cancer survivors to regain strength, endurance, flexibility and function. In addition to the exercise training which is provided by a designated YMCA fitness expert, LG Health staff provide education seminars on nutrition spirituality, coping, and survivorship. For class dates and to register, call 215-829-6737 or (888) LGH-INFO.
- Empowered Living…Integrating Mind, Body, and Spirit
This tranquil yet invigorating five-week program incorporates mindful movement, meditation, and deep relaxation; all of which have been shown to reduce distress in people coping with cancer. This program is co-lead by a registered dietitian with weekly discussion on mindful eating and nutrition. For class dates and to register, call 215-829-6737 or (888) LGH-INFO.
- Living with Cancer, To Support You from Diagnosis to Survivorship
A monthly seminar on topics that include nutrition, spirituality, integrative therapies, emotional coping, changes in memory and physical activity. Registration is required, please call the Lancaster General Health Contact Center at (888) LGH-INFO or 717-544-4636.
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