The Oncology, Haematology and cancer teams provide a clinical service to both in and outpatients. It is important to try and maintain a good nutritional status during and after your treatment.
Oncology dietitians can support you to eat and drink well if you have a diagnosis of cancer. Good nutrition can help your treatment and quality of life. The dietitians work with you to set individual goals and will review and update these at each review appointment.
Conditions we manage
We treat a variety of cancers including:
- head and neck
- pharynx, larynx, salivary gland, oral and nasal cavity
- upper GI
- oesophageal
- gastric
- duodenal cancers
- haematology
- lymphoma, myeloma, leukaemia, MDS
- general oncology
- lung
- pancreatic
- breast
- colorectal
- prostate
We also treat a number of non-malignant conditions such as:
- facial and neck trauma
- dento-alveolar surgery
- achalasia and oesophageal dysmotility disorders
- gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
What to expect
During your first appointment the dietitian will discuss your nutritional needs and complete a nutritional assessment taking into account your individual goals, culture or food preferences.
Often the nutritional assessment focuses on keeping you well-nourished throughout treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy and aims to minimise muscle wasting and lean body mass loss. Dietitians will also work with you to help in the management of some symptoms common in cancer and cancer treatment e.g. nausea, taste changes, lack of appetite.
Oncology dietitians also provide individual advice on tube feeding and can manage both short and long term enteral nutrition.
Who we work with
Dietitians within oncology, haematology and cancer teams work with many healthcare professionals to provide patient centred care.
This includes oncologists, haematologists, surgeons, clinical nurse specialists, speech and languages therapists, radiographers, dental nurses and many others. We attend multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to discuss patients treatment plans and will often complete joint consultations within MDT clinics.
How to be referred
We are able to see patients that are receiving active treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), or if they are under the care of a QEHB consultant. Please discuss with your medical team if you feel a referral may be appropriate or you are concerned about weight loss.
Get in touch
Last reviewed: 18 November 2025