FAQ #5 - Do you have advice about nutrition for childhood cancers?

Does your book cover nutritional recommendations for children with cancer? My child has been diagnosed with __________ cancer and I don't know where to turn for good advice about nutrition and herbal supplements to help optimize the chances for survival.

Thanks for writing. My book does not address nutritional requirements for children with cancer. That knowledge is a sub-specialty for which I have no training or experience.

I strongly recommend requesting a consult with the Registered Dietitian (RD) at your child's cancer treatment facility. I think that would be very important to make sure that your child is receiving the best possible nutrition not only to optimize the cancer treatments but also to optimize your child's growth and development potential. 

If your cancer center does not have an RD, please advocate for your child (and others) by asking why not! Then find one in private practice in your location either by (1) using the Yellow Pages (look for the credentials RD after the name of those listed under Dietitian and/or Nutritionist), (2) calling your local hospital's nutrition department and asking for recommendations from the chief clinical dietitian, or (3) by going to the web site for the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.

For general info about handling side effects of cancer treatments in children that are related to eating, visit the web site for the American Cancer Society. 

For general info about pediatric integrative cancer therapy, including herbs and other dietary supplements, an informative web site is: Integrative Therapies Program for Children with Cancer at Columbia University in New York City.

Please remember that, unfortunately, almost no herbs or dietary supplements have been evaluated for benefit or safety in children. I strongly urge you to discuss both your concerns and ideas about nutrition and/or supplements with your child's oncologist and request (insist if you have to) a referral to an RD with expertise in pediatric oncology nutrition.

Hope is so much more realistic for children diagnosed with cancer now than when I was in 1950. :-)

I send my very best wishes to your child plus you and your family for good health, healing, and continued hope!

Diana Dyer, MS, RD