Nutrition Services

People with cancer and those close to them often feel especially overwhelmed when it comes to nutrition. For many, figuring out the best nutritional approach is like trying to hit a moving target. Nutrition Services offered through the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara's Wellness department can alleviate the stress and worry of finding answers to the question,"What should I eat now?”

Our goal is to help you optimize wellness through nutrition. For many, personalized nutrition counseling and support leads to:

• Improved tolerance to treatment
• Optimal strength and immune function
• Prevention of undesired weight loss or gain
• Increased knowledge of appropriate diet and supplements
• Adoption of lifelong healthier eating habits
• Reduced risk of recurrence
• Enhanced quality of life

Our Staff
Nutrition services at the Cancer Center are provided by Sarah Washburn, M.S., R.D., C.S.O., C.D. Sarah can help you develop eating strategies, not strict, hard-to-follow meal plans. Her recommendations are based on what foods you and your family members eat now and are modified, as needed, during treatment or recovery. 

Make an appointment
Nutritional counseling offers you the unique opportunity to have the latest research about nutrition and cancer translated into simple, practical steps you can use in your own kitchen, at the grocery store, at restaurants - anywhere you’re thinking about what to eat. Appointments for nutrition counseling are available Monday through Friday at no charge to:

• Patients currently in cancer treatment (i.e. radiation or chemotherapy) at the Cancer Center or Sansum Clinic
• Former patients (i.e. individuals who are within one year of their last cancer treatment)
• Family members or caregivers of current Cancer Center or Sansum Clinic patients

To make an appointment, call (805) 898-2204. Self-referrals for nutrition counseling are welcomed; dialog with your health care providers about your interest and participation is encouraged.

For more information about our nutrition program including upcoming lectures, contact the Wellness department at (805) 898-2204 or search the education/lecture section of our calendar.  Also be sure to check out our Healthy Recipe Archive.