Speakers: Corynne Corbett, Editorial Director, Black Health Matters<\/p>\n
Charmaine Jones, MS, RDN, LDN Food Jonezi<\/a><\/p>\n This content was made possible through an independent\u00a0grant\u00a0from\u00a0Merck\u00a0& Co., Inc<\/em><\/p>\n Black Health Matters Editorial Director Corynne Corbett and Charmaine Jones, MS, RDN, LDN, discussed the ways nutrition can help decrease cancer risks during the Black Health Matters Spring Health Summit & Expo.<\/p>\n Research shows that nutrition plays a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. In 2025,\u00a0 the\u00a0Future Healthcare Journal<\/a> article\u00a0reported that \u201cDietary risk factors are among the leading contributors to poor health.\u201d In 2021, the American Journal of Public Health found that \u201cPoor diet is known to increase cancer risk and mortality.\u201d<\/p>\n An unhealthy diet is also associated with recognized risk factors for diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer. Additionally, certain types of metabolic diseases are precursors for cancers that disproportionately affect Black Americans. A diet that includes imbibing alcohol<\/a> places an individual at a higher risk for cancer as well. Professional assistance can help a person develop and maintain the healthy eating habits they need to attempt to mitigate their risk factors. The conversation focused on the struggles of managing these health challenges alone and shared the benefits of asking for help. Those needing nutritional guidance can choose between a nutritionist and a registered dietitian to meet their needs.<\/p>\n Jones explained the difference between registered dietitians and nutritionists to the audience assembled in the University of the District of Columbia Student Center. \u201cThere are several nutrition professionals. You may have heard of a nutritionist, a wellness coach, and a health coach. Sometimes, your trainer at the gym may say he or she is a nutritionist. A nutritionist could be anyone. They could be self-proclaimed as a nutritionist because they received some certification,\u201d she explained. \u201cThey have a background in nutrition and can have common knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut a registered dietitian is a medical nutrition expert who can help and support you when you have a chronic disease,\u201d Jones continues.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cA chronic disease could be, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, or kidney disease. When you have been diagnosed with a chronic disease, you should always go to a registered dietitian; A dietitian has medical nutrition therapy practice. That means we can support you medically when addressing your nutrition issues.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones emphasized the need for personalization in nutrition plans. \u201cWhen someone comes to me and says, \u2018Hey, I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes,\u2019 I cannot give that person a general diabetic diet. I have to customize it because everyone is different,\u201d she explained. Everyone’s goals are different. You may want to lose weight. This person may want to build muscles. This person has diabetes. This person has high blood pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones pointed out that part of finding a good dietitian is looking for a relatable provider. She said someone who looks like you may not always understand your experience. Cultural competence is critical. She suggests asking for a short consultation with a potential provider where you can ask some questions to apply to your particular needs.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they are talking to you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, it\u2019s okay to move on, and if the second person makes you uncomfortable, move on,\u201d Corbett says.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of people look at registered dietitians as food police,\u201d said Jones.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you feel like that dietitian is turning up their nose because you eat a certain way, move on,\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Jones instructed attendees.\u201cA dietitian who is culturally competent should be able to say, If you like this, I can give you this, but let me show you how to make it healthier.\u201d<\/p>\n She says while dietitians receive the same training, they don’t all focus on the same areas of specialization. To find qualified professionals in your area, go to www.eatright.org.<\/p>\n An adverse relationship between a dietitian and their client can hurt the client\u2019s nutritional goals. A study, “Health Expectations: An International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy,”<\/a>\u00a0published in 2019, found \u201cthat dietitians should focus on individualizing nutrition care, gaining a holistic understanding of their patients and knowing\/understanding each patient.\u201d It also found the benefits of the client and dietitian working together instead of in opposition through shared decision-making, \u201can interactive process where both parties contribute equally to the consultation and patients are actively engaged in decision-making.\u201d<\/p>\n Corbett asked Jones about going plant-based. Many people are advised to go completely plant-based without knowing what works. \u201cI\u2019m not discrediting vegan and vegetarian [diets]. But some people need that bioavailability of iron right then and there, when you’re eating a plant-based diet, you tend to have to eat a little bit more to meet those nutritional needs,\u201d explained Jones. She said that while it is a good starting point for prevention, it might not be the best path for those with certain chronic diseases. \u201cIf you are thinking about going plant-based, check with your doctor,\u201d she advised.<\/p>\n As a rule, Jones never recommends specific foods for anyone she has just met. \u201cWhen someone comes to me and says, \u2018Hey, what should I eat?\u2019 I say, \u2018I have to see your labs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n If someone tells you to eat fruits and vegetables, you want to run,\u201d Jones says. She explained that she wouldn\u2019t tell someone with irritable bowel syndrome to eat raw kale because their condition impacts their digestive system and reminded the audience that customization is key.<\/p>\n Not all insurance plans cover dietitians, or the number of visits you might need. But there are still ways to get started.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you do have insurance, for example, Corbett suggests using your appointment(s) to develop customized meal plans and other strategies that may help you through your stumbling blocks.<\/p>\n \u201cSome insurance does not cover a lot of medical nutrition therapy; there are a lot of free resources out there,\u201d Jones says. \u201cA lot of dietitians work in community-based organizations.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones suggested the following resources:<\/p>\n USDA My Plate<\/a><\/p>\n The American Heart Association<\/a><\/p>\n The American Diabetes Association<\/a><\/p>\n Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics<\/a><\/p>\n Snap ED<\/a><\/p>\n According to Jones, no matter your state of health, one thing is consistent across the board: \u201cStay away from fad diets because they’re not sustainable; you will always be on the yo-yo<\/a>.\u201d She also cautions against getting tips from what she called \u201cmedical doctor TikTok, nurse Instagram,\u00a0and dietitian Facebook.\u201d<\/p>\n Watch the session:<\/p>\n