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Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer related questions answered by experts in the field.

Nutrition and Chemotherapy after Gastric Bypass Surgery
Question I had gastric bypass surgery about 5 years ago. Now I am about to start treatment for colon cancer with chemo. I am really worried about how to manage nutrition with this combination. Any advice appreciated! Answer Katrina Claghorn, Registered Dietician at Penn Medicine, responds: Managing your nutritional status during treatment may

Nutritional Supplements Drinks after Radiation
Question My husband has trouble with thick secretions after radiation, but also we are trying to maintain his weight. People had suggested Boost, but I am worried that" a milk-like product" will only make things thicker. Are there other options? Answer Valaree Williams MS RD LDN, Clinical Dietitian Specialist, Department of Radiation Oncology

Importance of Low Iodine-Diet
Question If you mess up your low-iodine diet will the treatments be less effective? I am so stressed out about this diet! Answer Marcia Brose, MD, Director of Thyroid Cancer Therapeutics Program at Penn Medicine responds, Yes! So if you have messed up your diet, let your physician know immediately so that they can reschedule your treatments.

Diet After Thyroid Surgery
Question What kind of diet do I need to follow if I had surgery for thyroid cancer or have a recurrence of thyroid cancer? Answer Rachel Kelz, MD, MSCE, at Penn Medicine responds, Thyroid cancer surgery does not require a specific diet. You are usually instructed to avoid foods that worsen your sore throat. If you need treatment with

Raw Diet for Pets with Cancer
Question I've read that a diet free of grains may slow the cancer, is this accurate? what are the panel's thoughts on the Budwig diet or flax oil/cottage cheese combination? Erika Krick, VMD, DACVIM, Veterinary Medical Oncologist, University of Pennsylvania, responds: Answer There are no clinical studies of grain free diets in dogs with cancer.