Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. The Wellness Center offers nutrition classes to instruct patients on the basics of a healthy diet. We offer specialized information about vitamins, supplements, and other dietary concerns. Cooking demonstrations are also provided showing patients ways to prepare simple, nutritious meals without sacrificing taste using cancer-fighting foods. Classes are taught by a registered dietitian.

Cancer can prevent absorption of vital nutrients. Proper nutrition will help you maintain a healthy weight and promote healing. Our registered dietitian works closely with your health-care team to determine the best ways to prevent malnourishment and assist your recovery.

Services include:

• Nutrition assessment and screening
• Nutrition education
• Counseling on all aspects of nutrition support during cancer treatment
• Nutritional management of side effects, meal planning, food intake analysis, enteral and intravenous nutrition support
• Counseling on the medical use of herbs and supplements where appropriate and medically supervised

Contact your physician for a dietitian consult.

Nutrition Supplement Program

Some cancer patients may need to use liquid supplements for additional nutrition. The Patient & Family Service Department at the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center has grant-funded support to provide nutritional intervention to malnourished patients to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. Patients are screened by a dietitian for medical and financial need.

Contact: 210-450-5577

Food Pantry

We maintain an on-site food pantry for low-income patients with the support of the San Antonio Food Bank and the SA Cancer Council. Patients are screened by the dietitian. Once determined eligible, patients are supplied with nutritious cancer-fighting food that is high in protein. The Food Bank also supplies a limited amount of liquid nutritional supplement for those unable to swallow solid food.