Nutrition plays an important role during cancer treatment and treatment of blood disorders. Proper nutrition will help improve the body's ability to handle therapy, maintain lean body mass, and enhance quality of life. At Children's Mercy Hospital, Registered Dietitians work with patients that have cancer or blood disorders to ensure that their individual nutrition needs are being met.

Many side effects of treatment can negatively impact how much food one eats and how the body processes the food. Dietitians work collaboratively with patients, their families & the medical team to overcome these challenges. Dietitians also are involved in the Survive & Thrive program for cancer survivors to promote healthy living & long-term cancer prevention.