Whether you’re navigating chemotherapy, preparing for surgery, managing lymphedema or lipedema, or adjusting to life after treatment, our Registered Dietitian (RD) provides personalized, evidence-based guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals. 

We help you feel nourished, informed, and confident — without fad diets or conflicting advice. 

What is a registered dietitian?

Registered Dietitians are regulated healthcare professionals with extensive training in food science, clinical nutrition, and medical conditions that impact dietary needs. In Canada, RDs must complete: 

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in food and nutrition 
• A minimum of 1,250 supervised practical hours 
• A national regulatory exam 
• Ongoing professional development 

Our dietitian brings specialized experience in oncology and lymphatic health — offering compassionate, practical support for people living with cancer, lymphedema, lipedema, and complex treatment side effects

Nutrition Considerations for Cancer and Lymphedema

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition — especially during or after cancer treatment, or when managing chronic lymphatic conditions. Your nutritional needs can shift depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, activity level, body composition, and personal goals. 

We support people through: 

• Side effects like nausea, taste changes, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, or dry mouth 
• Healing before and after surgery 
• Body changes related to hormone therapy or menopause 
• Immune system and wound healing support 
• Emotional eating and weight fluctuations 
• Muscle loss, appetite changes, or metabolic shifts 
• Evidence-based support for lymphedema and lipedema management 

For lymphedema, nutrition can support lymphatic function, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing — especially when paired with compression, manual lymph drainage, and physical therapy. 

For lipedema, dietary strategies can help manage discomfort, systemic inflammation, and co-occurring metabolic challenges. Our RD is sensitive to the emotional and physical complexities of this often-misunderstood condition and works with you to create sustainable, non-stigmatizing support plans. 

Together, you’ll create a personalized nutrition plan that supports your healing and adapts as you do.  

At Ottawa Cancer and Lymphatics Centre, we understand that food is deeply personal — and that cancer, surgery, lymphedema, and lipedema can all change your relationship with your body and what it needs. We meet you where you are, with practical tools and ongoing support.

Our Registered Dietitian works alongside your entire care team — including physiotherapy, lymphedema therapy, kinesiology, massage, psychotherapy, and pelvic health physiotherapy — so your nutrition plan fits seamlessly within your larger wellness journey. 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment, recovering from surgery, or adjusting to life with lymphedema or lipedema, we’re here to support you with science, compassion, and care.