What to Expect in a Nutrition Assessment

Starting a nutrition assessment can feel daunting, especially when you’re already managing the challenges of cancer treatment or recovery. My role is to make this process supportive, collaborative, and centred on your needs. An assessment isn’t about judgment—it’s about understanding your unique situation so we can work together toward practical, meaningful goals.

Exploring Your Eating Habits

We begin by talking through what a typical day of eating looks like for you. This helps me understand your preferences, routines, and any changes you’ve noticed. I’ll ask:

• What foods do you enjoy most?

• Are there foods you avoid, and why?

• Have you experienced changes in taste, appetite, or digestion?

These questions aren’t about creating restrictions—they’re about finding ways to make food feel nourishing and manageable.

Understanding Your Energy and Physical Wellbeing

Nutrition is closely tied to how your body feels day to day. I’ll explore:

• How would you describe your current energy levels?

• Do you notice fatigue at certain times?

• What kinds of movement or activity feel comfortable right now?

This helps us adapt your nutrition plan to support energy, strength, and recovery.

Considering Emotional and Practical Factors

Food is never just about nutrients—it’s also about how it fits into your life. We’ll talk about:

• How you feel about mealtimes at the moment

• Whether you have support with shopping, cooking, or meal preparation

• Any worries or challenges you’d like me to know about

Acknowledging these realities ensures your plan is practical and emotionally safe.

Setting Your Goals

Finally, we’ll focus on what matters most to you. I’ll ask:

• What would you like to achieve through nutrition support?

• Are there specific symptoms or side effects you’d like help managing?

• Do you have personal health goals beyond treatment, such as sleep, gut health, or weight management?

Together, we’ll shape a plan that reflects your priorities, not just clinical guidelines.

Why This Matters

A nutrition assessment is the foundation of personalised care. It’s not a checklist—it’s a conversation. By exploring your habits, energy, emotions, and goals, we can create a plan that feels realistic, dignified, and empowering.

Whether you’re a patient, carer, or simply curious about what to expect, I hope this gives you a clearer picture of how nutrition support can fit into your journey.