Oncology nutritionist: how to find a dietitian who works in cancer care

Eating can get hard during cancer treatment. Taste changes, nausea, a sore mouth or weight changes can make an ordinary meal feel like work. A dietitian who works with people in cancer care can help you plan around what you're going through, alongside your oncology team. Here is what to look for and where to search, wherever you live in the US.

Start with your oncology team

Many cancer centers have dietitians on staff or know who to refer you to. Ask your oncologist or nurse navigator first. They know your treatment plan, and a referral keeps everyone on the same page. Nutrition care goes alongside cancer treatment and never replaces it.

Nutritionist or dietitian?

People search for an "oncology nutritionist", but the credential to look for is usually a registered dietitian. Rules on who can use the title "nutritionist" differ from state to state, so the letters after a name tell you more than the title does.

  • RDN or RD: a registered dietitian nutritionist, credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • CSO: Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, a board certification from the Commission on Dietetic Registration for registered dietitians who meet its oncology experience and exam requirements. CDR: CSO eligibility.
  • State license: many states also license dietitians (for example LD or LDN). Your state's licensing board can confirm one.

Plenty of good dietitians who work in cancer care don't hold the CSO, so ask about experience too.

Where to search near you

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics runs a free directory of registered dietitians. You can search by ZIP code or city, or by state for telehealth, and filter by expertise, including cancer and oncology nutrition. Find a Nutrition Expert. Your cancer center's support or survivorship program is also worth asking.

If you see someone by video, they generally need a license in the state where you are during the visit. Rules vary, so ask the dietitian. In Illinois? Our Illinois guide covers the state license check there.

Questions to ask before a first visit

  • How often do you work with people in cancer treatment?
  • Will you share notes with my oncology team if I ask you to?
  • Do you see people by video, in person, or both?
  • How do you handle supplements? A good answer includes checking with my oncology team first.
  • What does a visit cost, and can you give me a superbill to send my insurer? (A superbill doesn't guarantee reimbursement.)

Coverage for nutrition visits varies by plan and diagnosis. Call the number on your insurance card to ask what yours covers.

Hear when a practitioner in your state joins Alongside

Alongside is adding practitioners who work with people in cancer care, and we verify each license before a practitioner can accept patients. Pick your state and we'll send one email when someone licensed there joins.

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Are you a dietitian who works with people in cancer care?

Joining is free today, you set your own rates, and we verify your license before you can accept patients. We are adding Illinois practitioners first. See how joining works.

More guides: oncology massage and, in Illinois, finding an acupuncturist.

This page is general information to help you find a practitioner. It is not medical advice. Talk to your oncology team before changing your diet or starting a supplement during treatment. Alongside is not affiliated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Commission on Dietetic Registration or any cancer center.