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Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

Nutrition counseling for cancer patients can help you personalize your plate and create a sustainable nutrition approach that fits your individual needs for today and into the future. Our team of registered dietitian nutritionists is dedicated to helping you improve your health through evidence-based nutrition education and counseling during and after cancer treatment. 

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an essential component of comprehensive health care. It includes a comprehensive nutrition assessment determining the nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention planning and implementation using evidence-based nutrition practice guidelines, and monitoring and evaluation of progress over subsequent visits.

Common Eating Problems During Cancer Treatment

  • Less appetite
  • Changes in your sense of taste or smell
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Dry mouth, sore mouth, sore throat and/or trouble swallowing
  • Weight gain or loss
A physician referral is necessary for all appointments. It gives the dietitian the medical information needed to plan an appropriate and individualized counseling session and is also required for insurance. Please check with your insurance company to see if your medical condition is covered for dietitian services.

Highlights & Resources

  • Article

    Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI]

    Read More

Providers

  • Jennifer L. Cottrell, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Jennifer Cottrell, RD has worked in a variety of areas, including clinical, home infusion, oncology, general and management. She currently works with BMT patients at the hospital and in St. Luke's Cancer Institute, as well as general oncology.

    Jen completed her dietetic internship and received her master's degree from Utah State University. When she isn't at work, you can find her mountain biking, backpacking, skiing, and hanging out with her husband, two dogs, and cat.


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Katharine E. de Gennaro, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Sara T. Freeman, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Sara T. Freeman, RDN, LD, CNSC is a board-certified nutrition support clinician.  She enjoys supporting patients with nutritional needs during their cancer treatment.  She has a special interest in nutrition support including tube feedings and IV nutrition.

    Sara is originally from Idaho and a proud second-generation Vandal, having earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Idaho.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Kaye M. Heazle, RD

    Kaye M. Heazle, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Kaye Heazle, RD is board certified in oncology nutrition and is passionate about working with adults and children undergoing all types of cancer treatment. 

    Kaye earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho. In her spare time, Kaye enjoys spending time with family and friends, mountain biking, river rafting and hiking.  

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Barbara K. Herbel, RD

    Barbara K. Herbel, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Barbara Herbel, RD is a certified nutrition support clinician and currently enjoys working with oncology patients in their journey through treatment. She also has experience with inpatient care, including covering critical care, surgery, telemetry, and obstetrics.

    Barbara earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Walla Walla University and her master's degree in human nutrition at Washington State University. She enjoys hiking, camping, and motorcycling in Idaho’s back country.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Elizabeth M. LeFevre, RD

    Elizabeth M. LeFevre, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Elizabeth LeFevre, MHS, RD, CSO, LD is board certified in oncology nutrition and has a passion for not only helping treat patients for cancer, but helping them on the road to health after they have completed treatment.

    Elizabeth earned her bachelor's degree in dietetics from Brigham Young University, and her master's degree in health science from Boise State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Amy I. Mercer, RD

    Amy I. Mercer, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Amy Mercer, RD provides nutritional counseling for adult patients undergoing cancer treatment. 

    Amy earned her master of public health degree in nutritional sciences from the University of Washington and is a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor recreation, reading, cooking, and travel.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Alisa Rawson, RD

    Alisa M. Rawson, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Alisa Rawson, MS, RDN, CSO, LD is a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition. She is passionate about supporting cancer patients through all stages of treatment and recovery, and she values the role of nutrition in improving health and quality of life.

    Alisa earned her bachelor's degree in molecular biology and Spanish with a minor in nutrition from the University of Wyoming. She earned her master's degree in food and nutrition from Purdue University, and completed her dietetic internship at the University of Oklahoma.

  • Valerie C. Robenstein, RD

    Valerie C. Robenstein, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Valerie Robenstein, RD is a board certified specialist in oncology nutrition. She has worked with patients of all ages and types of cancer. She is passionate about supporting cancer patients with their nutrition needs during and after treatment. She enjoys the unique challenges presented by cancer surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.

    Valerie earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Idaho. In her spare time, she enjoys camping with her family, hiking, and reading.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Teresa Thaut, RD

    Teresa A. Thaut, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Teresa Thaut RD, CSO works with adult and pediatric oncology patients at St Luke’s Cancer Center. 

    Teresa earned her bachelor's degree San Diego State University and has lived and worked around the country, following her husband's military service. Her hobbies include hiking, gardening, and anything outdoors. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Cassi Watkins, RD

    Cassi R. Watkins, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Cassi Watkins, RD provides nutrition care for adult patients undergoing cancer treatment. She also has experience with inpatient care including critical care, surgery and blood and marrow transplant (BMT).

    Cassi is licensed in the state of Idaho and is a certified specialist in oncology.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

  • Clare M. Zamzow, RD

    Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Clare Zamzow, RD provides nutritional counseling for adult and pediatric patients throughout their cancer treatment journey. She is committed to improving quality of life and helping her patients thrive during and after their cancer treatment. She is a board certified specialist in sports nutrition and supports patients as they continue their active lifestyles alongside their cancer treatment. 

    Clare earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Idaho and her master’s degree in kinesiology from Boise State University. 

    In her free time, Clare enjoys running in the Boise foothills, baking, and spending time with her family. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

More Nutrition Resources

National Cancer Institute: Nutrition in Cancer Care
Help to understand and manage eating problems common in cancer treatment. View an online version of the book, Eating Hints.

American Cancer Society: Nutrition for People with Cancer
Information to help with nutrition and manage treatment side effects. Includes free online classes about nutrition during and after treatment.

American Institute for Cancer Research
Research focused on the link between diet and cancer. Includes current information on foods that fight cancer. Subscribe to email publications (including Health-e-Recipes) and print newsletters on diet and cancer research.

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