Wellness - Cancer Risk and Prevention
Nutrition
Nutrition Services
Confused about what foods to eat? Frustrated with weight gain/weight loss? Worried about how best to nourish a loved one recently diagnosed with cancer? Curious about dietary supplements and herbs? Concerned about the possible symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment? Sound familiar?
Individuals with cancer and those close to them often feel especially overwhelmed when it comes to nutrition. They typically have even greater number of unanswered questions and sense of frustration with nutrition information being difficult to find or hard to believe. For many, figuring out the best approach is like trying to hit a moving target. To address this situation, the Cancer Center established a comprehensive Nutrition Program.
About Our Nutrition Program
Our program is about teaching individuals how to best to meet their unique nutritional needs.
The Cancer Center recognizes the importance of nutrition and its role in the prevention, treatment and recovery from cancer. Our goal is to support the recovery and/or maintenance of our patients’ well-being through comprehensive nutritional care. We believe that our program can provide individuals with the guidance, support and practical suggestions they need to create a nutrition plan for optimal health.
Nutritional services at the Cancer Center are provided by Stephanie Bélinge, MS, RD (Registered Dietitian). Through personalized counseling, individuals can learn how to eat and supplement their diet based on their specific cancer type, symptoms, treatment and stage of illness/recovery. The nutrition education and support provided may lead to:
- Enhanced quality of life
- Improved tolerance to treatment
- Prevention or correction of nutritional deficiencies
- Achievement and maintenance of optimal body weight
- Adoption of lifelong healthier eating habits
Who can participate in the Nutrition Program?
Nutrition counseling services are available at no charge to the following individuals:
- Patients currently undergoing radiation or chemotherapy at the Cancer Center or Sansum
- Former Cancer Center patients (i.e. individuals who are within one year of their last treatment)
- Family members or caregivers of current Cancer Center patients
Making an appointment
We encourage individuals to discuss both their interest and/or participation in the Nutrition Program with their healthcare providers. Self-referrals for nutrition counseling are welcomed.
One-hour nutrition counseling appointments are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara. Interested individuals may call
(805) 682-7300 or stop by the front desk to make an appointment.
Nutrition counseling appointments are also available on Mondays for individuals receiving treatment at the Santa Barbara Hematology/Oncology Clinic in Solvang. To schedule an appointment at this location, please call (805) 686-5370 or ask the staff at the clinic to assist you.
Upcoming Classes
What to Eat During Treatment with Stephanie Bélinge, MS, RD
Tuesday, May 8th, 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Cancer Center Conference Room - 540 W. Pueblo St.
Special nutrition lectures! Join us the second Tuesday of every month for a special nutrition lecture. If you would like to be on the mailing list for these nutrition lectures call 898-2204.
This class, offered at no cost, is open to anyone going through cancer treatment. Nutrition is an important part of both cancer treatment and recovery. Come find out how good nutrition can help you during cancer treatment. Topics include: nutritional goals during treatment; tips on managing side effects that interfere with eating; nutrition to support for the immune system and decrease infection risk; and information on vitamins and supplements. Significant other/family caregiver(s) welcome. RSVP encouraged but not required, call 898-2204.
New! Nutrition & Osteoporosis with Stephanie Bélinge, MS, RD
Tuesday, June 12th, 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Cancer Center Multipurpose Room – 540 W. Pueblo St.
Are you unsure how to best care for your bones? Do you wonder if you are getting enough calcium? Are you curious about which calcium supplements are best? In this class we will be discussing risk factors for osteoporosis, prevention steps and recommendations, as well as how to assess whether you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D. Significant other/family caregiver(s) welcome. RSVP encouraged but not required, call 898-2204.
Nutrition After Cancer Treatment: The Role of Diet in Cancer Survivorship with Stephanie Bélinge, MS, RD
Mondays, (6/4 and 6/11) 4:30-6:00 pm
Location: Cancer Center Conference Room - 540 W. Pueblo St.
This two-part class is geared for those who have finished cancer treatment and are wondering "what should I eat now?"
Come learn which foods can maximize your health and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Nutritional guidelines for survivors based on current research will be presented, as well as recipes and practical tips for grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking. Class size limited, pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, call 898-2204.
