A Registered Dietician Should Be Part Of Your Colon Cancer Medical Team
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A registered dietician is very important if you've been diagnosed with colon cancer. Your dietary needs will change before, during, and after treatment. You should discuss with your doctor the possibility of including a dietician in your treatment plan.
What a dietician does
- studies your blood chemistry
- works with your doctors to create the right nutrition plan for you
- determines the nutritional value of foods for you
- checks to be sure that food or supplements don't counteract treatment
- helps determine what, when, and how to eat if you're having problems
- helps devise plans for low residue diets, low-lactose diets, diets to lose or gain weight
- helps determine the foods from your culture or ethnicity that you can eat
Choosing a Registered Dietician
Dieticians are often called nutritionists but they are not really the same thing.
Dieticians are regulated by the American Dietetic Association.
- They are registered as a registered dietician (RD) or a dietetic technician (DTR)
- They must meet strict educational requirements
- They must pass a national exam
- They participate in current research
- Dieticians are trained in food science and food preparation - they can help you in the grocery store and in the kitchen
Nutritionists are people interested in food and nutrition.
- They are not regulated
- They have varying degrees of education
- Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or "expert"
If you want to use a nutritionist you should get proof of their education. Is it the right schooling that will help you?
"Your dietary needs and problem will change before, during and after treatment."
Your doctor can often recommend a registered dietician or you can go to the American Dietetic Association's website. They have a "Find a Nutrition Professional" service. You can key in "Oncology Nutrition" and find a dietician in your area. You can also call 1-800-366-1655. None of these professionals are considered cancer dieticians, so you have to ask about their work experience.
What to consider when choosing a registered dietician:
- Registration: Check whether they are registered at the American Dietetic Association's website (ADA) or at the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Licensing: Some states also require that dieticians be state-licensed. You can find your state listings at the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
- Good Standing: The ADA or CDR can help you to check the background and record of your dietician.
- Education: Check on the education that your dietician claims to have.
- Experience: Does your dietician have experience with colon cancer? How long have they been practicing?
- Cost: Does your insurance cover the costs of a dietician? If not, how much do they charge?
- Location: How close is the dietician located to you or your hospital?
- Availability: How busy are they? Will they be able to give you the time and attention that you need?
- Up-to-date techniques: Is your dietician up- to-date on current research and different nutritional practices?
- Your beliefs: Does the dietician respect or disagree with your beliefs? Although you may have to change your diet are you a vegetarian, Kosher, Meat-eater? Does your religion or culture prevent you from eating certain foods? Do you want to try alternative therapies*?
- Your food preferences and lifestyle: Can the dietician create meal plans that go along with your food preferences as long as they are not completely bad for you? Can the dietician create meal plans that make sense to your schedule and lifestyle?
- Their style: What's the dietician's style? Are they warm and personable? Matter-of-fact and professional? Will they work with you on goals or tell you what you're going to do? How they speak, the degree to which they explain things, their personality and "bedside manner" are things that only you can decide if you like or not.
- Your gut feeling: What it really comes down to is your gut feeling. Your relationship will be long and involved so if you're not comfort table go with someone else.
Additional Resources
Related pages:
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