Nourishing the whole person in upper GI cancer
Australian/NZ dietitians: CPD hours are applicable for Australia and New Zealand dietitians.
US/Canadian dietitians: CPEUs from CDR are NOT available for this webinar.
Check your local country requirements to see if you can claim for continuing education.
A recording will be available shortly after the live event.
About the webinar:
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancer brings complex nutrition challenges, from unintentional weight loss to symptoms that make eating difficult, alongside the emotional toll many people experience around food. In this webinar, oncology dietitian Lauren Atkins shares evidence-based strategies to assess and manage weight loss and nutrition impact symptoms such as early satiety, dumping syndrome and malabsorption, while helping patients navigate diet myths and misinformation. Social worker Joanna Fanos then explores the psychological and coping responses common in upper GI cancer, and how psychosocial factors shape nutrition care. Discover counselling-informed communication strategies to respond to emotional distress within your scope of practice, and gain clarity on when to refer to psychology, social work or other specialist services.
About the speakers:
Lauren Atkins is an Advanced APD and the Co-Founder and Director of OnCore Nutrition. Over a 16-year career, Lauren has practised across major Victorian health institutions, including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Her primary areas of clinical focus include oncology, gastrointestinal disorders, mental health and eating disorders, complex chronic disease management and paediatric care. She holds a position on the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) AYA group executive committee. Her professional contributions were recognised with the 2025 Dietitian Connection Carpe Diem Award, Dietitians Australia Quality in Primary Care Awards in 2021 and 2023, and Best Dietitians in the City of Glen Eira in 2026.
Joanna Fanos is an experienced social worker with a background in community palliative care. Joanna’s current role focuses on providing emotional support to people affected by upper gastrointestinal cancers. She is committed to helping patients and families navigate complex health and emotional challenges with compassion, dignity and practical guidance. Joanna brings a person-centred, collaborative approach to improving wellbeing, connection and access to meaningful support throughout the cancer experience.
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| Continuing Education (USA) | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 hour |
| CPEUs Awarded | N/A |
| Performance Indicators | N/A |