Food and nutrition are important during cancer treatment and recovery and yet, eating well after a cancer diagnosis can feel challenging and confusing.  If you have questions about what to eat (or not eat), our Iris Care Team is here to help. Our team of registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists specialize in cancer care and can help you sort through questions like:   

• “Does sugar feed cancer?”  

• “Is it okay to have dairy, soy, and/or alcohol?”   

• “What can I do when food tastes and smells off?” 

• “I don’t have an appetite, what’s the easiest thing to eat?” 

• “Are there benefits to eating organic or becoming vegetarian or vegan after cancer?”  

Our goal at Iris is to help you get answers to your food and nutrition related questions and support you with specific strategies when eating is difficult.  

How We Can Help 

Connect with an Iris Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist in any/all these ways: 

• Join an Iris Nutrition Group led by a registered dietitian and nutritionist.

Here you’ll get weekly recipes and tips on budget-friendly meals, getting enough protein and vegetables, coping with side effects (nausea, lack of appetite, changes in bowel movements) and the support of our community. Iris Nutrition Groups are small and personal (with a maximum of 8 people per group) with ample time each week to share and discuss your unique concerns. Groups meet weekly online for 60 minutes for a total of six sessions. [To learn more about Iris Nutrition Groups/register click here]  

• Schedule an Individual Nutrition Session with Iris Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist.

If you’d prefer to receive nutrition guidance in a one-on-one setting, you can schedule a virtual nutrition visit with an Iris registered dietitian/licensed nutritionist. These sessions are 30-60 minutes on Zoom and include a review of your current and typical eating habits followed by suggestions and goal setting. The approach in these sessions is one of collaboration and self-compassion when it comes to food.     

Strict confidentiality is maintained in all Iris Nutrition interactions and your information is not shared outside of the Iris team.  Iris is provided as a benefit through your insurance with no additional cost to you.  

• View Webinars On Demand  

Learn from an Iris registered dietitian/licensed nutritionist by way of a virtual event. By registering and viewing our On Demand programs you’ll get nutrition guidance specific to six types of cancer and commonly asked questions including: 

Quick Reads to Commonly Asked Questions  

Check out nutrition articles written by our clinical team giving you up-to-date, evidence-based answers to commonly asked questions.  

Click on the titles of the breakout articles below for more information about each topic.   

Sugar and Cancer: What You Need to Know 

People living with cancer sometimes wonder whether they need to avoid sugar, maybe even thinking that sugar “feeds” cancer. But the real answer isn’t as simple as that. Learn more about this and other commonly asked questions — plus gain actionable tips for how you can balance sugar intake in this article.  

Is It Necessary to Eat All Organic? 

Many people wonder if it’s better to eat organic foods after a diagnosis of cancer, but what does the research show? Are there benefits? In this article, we break down what’s known about organic food and cancer, and offer you three important points to consider regardless of the decision you make.    

Do I Need to Avoid Dairy? 

What’s the scoop on milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products and cancer? People sometimes report cutting dairy out of their food intake after a cancer diagnosis — but is this really necessary? This article gives you the latest information so you can decide for yourself.   

Is it Okay to Eat Soy Foods: Answers to Your Questions About Soy and Cancer 

There’s a lot of confusion around whether eating soy is “good” or “bad” if you have cancer. We have the evidence-based answers you need about soy foods and how they impact cancer risk. The bottom line? Soy foods are okay even for people with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.  

Does Being Vegetarian or Vegan Help when You Have Cancer? 

Plant-based eating gets a lot of attention when it comes to cancer prevention, but what do we know about being vegetarian or vegan affecting cancer risk and prognosis? We define these terms, dig into the research, and suggest simple steps you can take whether you choose to eat animal protein or not.   

Is It Okay to Drink Alcohol with Cancer? 

“Is it okay to drink alcohol with cancer?” is a question we get asked frequently. Here's what we know about alcohol intake and cancer-specific outcomes. Spoiler alert: Drinking the least amount of alcohol is usually best, and this article shares specific details that can help you and your team discuss what’s best for you personally.