Oncology Nutrition Services

Proper nutrition improves your overall health, especially when you have cancer. As Spartanburg’s only oncology-certified dietitians, our experts have specialized knowledge and training to help you get the nutrition you need as your body works to fight cancer.

We provide education and guidance to help minimize the side effects of your cancer and its treatment and we can help you navigate through the abundance of information about diet and cancer. For example, we may recommend foods that lessen nausea or diarrhea, or help you know which diet on the internet you can trust.

Our assessments may include suggestions to help maintain your weight. We can also review the vitamins, minerals, or herbs you are taking to assure they are safe during your treatment. In cases where the doctor has recommended a feeding tube, we provide education, and help coordinate the necessary supplies, in order to help you get the nutrition you need. At the Gibbs Cancer Center in Spartanburg our Oncology Certified Dietitians make regular rounds in the radiation and infusion center because we know certain cancers — including head and neck, colon, rectal, esophageal, pancreatic, lung and gynecologic,  as well as their treatments, are more likely to create problems that require nutrition assistance.  

Depending on the type of cancer you have, some of the nutritional problems you may encounter from treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy include:

• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Changes in taste or smell
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Sore throat or sore mouth
• Poor absorption of nutrients

People diagnosed with hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast or prostate cancer, often have concerns once treatment is completed since weight gain can have a negative impact on survivorship. Our dietitians are available to help with weight gain and obesity issues.

We’re available to talk with you whenever a concern arises during your treatment — or even before you begin. In every case, our care plan is customized to your unique situation.

Our dietitians can be reached by asking your doctor, nurse or other staff members anytime for our assistance, or call us directly at 864-560-1976 or 864-560-1982.