Cancer Support Services

Dietetics

Why Nutrition Matters in Cancer Care?

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) at diagnosis but can occur at any stage of the treatment pathway. The impact of disease burden and treatment side effects can lead to altered anatomy, compromised quality and quantity of saliva and impaired swallowing function, which can result in deleterious effects on nutritional status. Dietitians are integral parts of the HNC multidisciplinary team and are uniquely qualified in the assessment, management and optimization of nutritional status across the care pathway. The Onco- dieticians at HNCII assist cancer patients with customized nutritional plans to manage various side effects of cancer treatment. A customized nutrition plan for cancer patients includes macro- and micronutrients in the right proportion and plays a significant role in the recovery and healing of cancer patients.

HNCII Approach to Onco Nutrition and Diet

All admitted patients are nutritionally assessed by our qualified dieticians on the basis of anthropometric, biochemical, clinical & dietary information provided.
Our dieticians develop therapeutic menus based on various clinical conditions.
Effective counselling strategies are implemented by our dieticians for educating patients and caregivers as part of multidisciplinary approach to ensure that nutritional needs and dietary limitations of the patient is met.
Different transition of diet based on patient clinical conditions like - Honey consistency liquid, Thick pureed liquid, , Soft minced and moist.

Dietetics Department Services at Hncii

Radiation & Chemo Care Program

During chemotherapy and radiation therapy, some people experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. Creating a nutrition plan focused on the right foods can help people going through cancer treatment manage these symptoms.

Pre & Post Surgery Care Programe

Just like you wouldn't fast before a big race, you want to prepare your body to have the strength and energy needed for a major procedure. For this reason, HNCII adopted surgical guidelines from the ERAS Society (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) that help patients achieve a faster recovery. These guidelines include consuming certain nutrition before and after surgery. The main goal is to try to keep your weight constant while eating as many healthy nutrients as possible. Our Onco-dietician assist you in developing a meal plan that satisfies your unique dietary requirements for pre & post surgery and helps to improve quality of life.

Palliative Care Program

The aims of nutritional support change with an emphasis on quality of life and symptom relief as opposed to active nutritional therapy. We recognize that eating has an emotional, social and cultural significance and that changes in food intake may be distressing for the person, family and carers. Our Dietitians helps to improve a person’s quality of life with a life-limiting illness through symptom control and targeted nutritional support and education that reflects what is important to them.

Enteral & Parenteral Nutrition Planning

Our dietician support you for parenteral and enteral nutrition planning if you can't get the nutrition need safely through normal eating.

Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition care plans for Cancer Patients

Our dietician helps patient by changing the food they eat by adding more protein, energy or other nutrients. They also prescribed you special oral nutritional supplements to eat or drink with your normal meals.

Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic

The Hospital offers support and guidance to individuals who have undergone cancer surgery. It acknowledges the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of focusing on life after surgery. It highlights the availability of support through the Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic, where patients can connect with others who have shared experiences and receive practical advice on various aspects of recovery, including physical, emotional, and practical needs.

At HNCII, our dedicated team of volunteers is committed to supporting you through your treatment and recovery process. From understanding the nuances of your diet and exercise regimen to exploring options for wigs, prosthetics, and speech therapy, we're here to provide the information and support you need.

Our Cancer Rehab Clinic offers:

Expert guidance on diet and exercise.
Information on clothing, wigs, and prosthetics.
Support in coping with chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments.
Guidance on using electrolarynx/esophageal speech devices.
Comprehensive speech therapy services.
Valuable tips and tricks for managing your journey.

Palliative Care

As the Dept of Pain & Palliative care, we ensure we walk with the patients and their caregivers during their entire process of illness - from diagnosis to end of life and bereavement.

Patients are seen extensively on their first visit with us and a plan of care is charted out for them taking into account their disease, pain score, other physical symptoms, psychosocial circumstances and caregiver distress. These patients are treated in accordance with the principles of total pain - physical, psychosocial and spiritual components of their illness are cared for through regular follow up. Follow up services are extremely important in long term chronic illnesses like cancer to help manage the patients health, detect any recurrence, new symptoms and to manage side effects of any medications. Our Counselling services are important to manage anxiety and depression in cancer patients as well as spiritual distress. In addition to these services for the patient, we also provide “care for the caregiver” a unique service to manage caregiver distress and ensure their well being.