Nutritional counseling services
Registered dietitians and nutrition counseling
Nutrition counseling by registered dietitian nutritionists is available for all patients treated for cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center and Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute. 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. If you need any help or have any questions, our registered dietitians are available by phone, email, and telemedicine (virtual) appointments.
Cancer care at Penn Medicine
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
- Providing guidance for using integrative approaches
Tracey L. Birnhack Nutritional Counseling Program
The Tracey L. Birnhak Nutritional Counseling Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania offers nutrition counseling by registered dietitians to those patients being treated for cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center. Our dietitians specialize in cancer nutrition and provide information based on sound nutritional therapies.
To Contact a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Dietitian/nutritionists are available at the following Abramson Cancer Center and Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute 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: 215-614-0651
- The Joan Karnell Supportive Care Program at Pennsylvania Hospital: 215-829-6560
- Penn Medicine Valley Forge: 215-615-0534
- Penn Medicine Radnor: 215-614-0651
- 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
- Princeton Medical Center: 609-853-6788
Nutrition Classes
Penn Medicine offers virtual 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 Penn Medicine registered dietitian/nutritionists.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.