Ask Carolyn Your
Cancer Related Question

Here I present answers to some commonly asked questions about cancer and nutrition. If you have other questions of general interest please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page. Please give as much information as possible. Please note that I am not a medical doctor and cannot give specific advice on treatments etc. For this you should speak to your physician or oncologist.

Please refer to the Nutrition Handbook for details about how to optimize your diet and delicious recipes to assist you with your meal plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (ASK YOUR QUESTION)

What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist?

Andrew asks:

Hi my dad, 74, is undergoing radiation treatment for oral cancer.


He is struggling to eat and is feeling tired. I was wondering if it is a good idea to feed him supplements like a whey protein shake (Eg Gold Standard 100% whey protein from Optimium Nutrition) He is also a type 2 diabetic.

Thank you.

Carolyn writes:

I am sorry to hear about your father.  I would recommend that he ask his oncologist for a nutrition consult with the hospital dietitian.  There are a lot of issues when undergoing radiation treatment for oral cancer and dehydration is a big issue.  I like MRM All Natural Gainer protein which a high calorie/nutrient dense and tasty product.  Glucerna is a range of low glycemic ready mixed beverages that would also be a good idea for him. My handbook also has lots of good smoothie recipes and includes a nutritional breakdown so you can select ones with low sugar and higher fiber content.


It is important for him to avoid acidic foods, anything with alcohol and many other things which a trained nutritionist/dietitian would be able to help him with.  As he is a diabetic it is especially important that he handle his eating pattern in a regular manger and doesn't lose too much weight during this challenging time.
Best,
Carolyn
change my eating habits
Howard W asks:
Why should I change my eating habits just because I have been diagnosed with cancer? Isn't it too late now?
Carolyn writes:
It is never too late to embrace a healthy lifestyle including choosing foods that are supportive to your immune system. Every time you choose a fruit, vegetable, bean or whole grain item you are adding a brick to the foundation of your health. This is an ongoing and active part that you can play in your recovery process.
What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist?

Anon asks:

What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist?
Carolyn writes:
I have an undergraduate and graduate degree in nutrition and am a Certified Nutrition Specialist. This professional diploma is conferred by an affiliate organization of the American College of Nutrition upon individuals who have completed graduate degrees from regionally accredited universities or colleges in the field of nutrition and who have also satisfied other stringent conditions and, in addition, have passed a rigorous exam and including many hours of supervised clinical experience. I have satisfied all of these conditions including completing an internship in medical nutrition therapy. I compelted my work experience at UCLA. You can find out more about CNS by visiting the website at www.cbns.org. RD is an undergraduate level diploma although many RD's also have graduate degrees and many now have completed the examination and received a CNS diploma. Both RD and CNS are professional nutrition diplomas and are highly respected. You can trust an individual with either of these designations after their names. It indicates that they have specialized in the field of nutrition.
recently been diagnosed with breast cancer

Anon asks:

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy to remove 6mm stage 2. My lymph nodes were clear.I would like to know what type of food I should be eating and if flaxseed should be avoided because it can act as estrogen? Thank you
Carolyn writes:
I would recommend making an appointment for a telephone consultation so that we can review your current diet and make recommendations based on that. Please go to the Store for instructions on how to order the telephone consultation. Be Well Carolyn
specific diet does someone

 Anon asks:

What specific diet does someone with liver cancer need to be on? What type of foods need to be eaten and what doesn't? Thanks.
Carolyn writes:
I receive many questions asking me for specific advice and I would encourage you to go to my store to order a telephone consultation so I may provide more personalized advice. For example, is this a primary liver cancer or another primary that has metastasized to the liver? What treatment are you undergoing, etc. I charge $200 for a one hour consultation and provide written recommendations for foods, recipes and supplements if needed (I don't sell supplements). Carolyn