Nutrition Counseling Services at Hillman Cancer Center

The foods you choose play an important role in maintaining your health. Your doctor and dietitian can help you to learn more about your diet and nutritional needs during cancer treatments.

At the Hillman Cancer Center, which is associated with the Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center, we offer many options to learn more about your diet and nutritional health.

Nutritional Services is staffed by registered, licensed dietitians with a focus in nutrition oncology. The dietitians can meet with you and your family on a variety of nutrition topics such as:

• customized meal plans to build up your body and nutrition before receiving surgery and treatments
• diet anaylsis and evaluation of your current diet
• managing eating problems, such as weight loss and appetite issues
• food safety education
• nutrition education and guidance on various diets, including the plant-based diet from the American Institute for Cancer Research
• getting adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fluids in your diet
• assistance with specialized feeding treatments (tube feedings)
• guidelines and tips on staying well after treatments are completed
• "Ask a Dietitian," an open forum that is offered weekly. It gives you the chance to ask any questions you may have. The forum is free for all UPMC cancer patients, survivors, and families. It is held at the Hillman Cancer Center Gumberg Library on the ground floor. For dates and times, call 412-623-4733.

Most insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid will cover education for diabetes management and for non-dialysis dependent patients with diabetes or kidney failure. Your insurance may cover a visit with a registered dietitian for another diagnosis. Regardless of your diagnosis, please call your insurance provider to obtain preauthorization before your visit.

To contact a dietitian:
Hillman Cancer Center: 412-623-3325
Mary Hillman Jennings Radiation Oncology Center: 412-623-6721 or 412-623-2421.