Nutrition is an essential part of a cancer patient's treatment. Registered Dietitians help you with making sure your body has everything it needs during your cancer journey to stay as healthy, strong and hydrated as possible.
With good nutrition, the body is better able to tolerate and recover from radiation treatments. A well nourished body and mind are invaluable and this will assist you in getting through your radiation treatment as strong as possible.
Services Provided in the Duke Cancer Center
- Provide information on managing some of the side effects of cancer treatment.
- Help with making sure you are eating optimally throughout your treatments and after your treatment is completed. There is a large amount of nutrition information available on the internet, through books, and in the news.
- Help you to understand and apply nutrition that works best for you, your diagnosis, and your life.
- You can schedule an appointment to meet with a Registered Dietitian that specializes in the nutrition care routinely seen with your type of caner but have individual needs as related to cancer treatment. Your Radiation Oncologist or primary care nurse can refer a patient to their personal Registered Dietitian. An appointment to meet with a disease specific Dietitian is scheduled through the Radiation Oncology Scheduling HUB.
Contacts
Julie Hann, MS, RD, LDN, CSO (Sarcoma, GU, Heme/Lymph)
Phone: 919-668-2290
julie.hann@duke.edu
Ann Hill, MS, RD, LDN ( Thoracic, Melanoma, Brain)
Phone: 919-613-8642
ann.onyenwoke@duke.edu
Lily McWilliams, RD, LDN (GI)
Phone: 919-613-9382
lillian.mcwilliams@duke.edu
Dayle Van Ess, MS, RD, LDN (Head & Neck)
Phone: 919-631-6379
dayle.van.ess@duke.edu
Patricia Wilkes, MS, RD, LDN (Breast, Gyn, Endocrine)
Phone: 919-613-3688
patricia.wilkes@duke.edu
This service is designed to ensure that patients receive pre-authorizations for all radiation treatment prior to their first treatment. Further, we are a resource for patients by providing information on how they can obtain financial assistance.
Oncology social workers help patients and their loved ones cope with the emotional and practical concerns that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Individual, family and group consultations are available to both inpatients and outpatients.
The Pets at Duke program was established in 1994 based on research support showing that visiting with a pet can reduce stress symptoms, lower blood pressure temporarily, combat feelings of isolation and even lengthen a person’s life expectancy. Since opening in early 2012, the Duke Cancer Center is pleased to offer this unique and positive experience to patients and families.