Board Certified Oncology Nutrition Specialist (BCONS)

The Board Certified Oncology Nutrition Specialist (BCONS) credential is granted to clinically qualified professionals who demonstrate advanced expertise in the nutritional care of individuals affected by cancer. This certification is limited to candidates with a medical or clinical background, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of oncology nutrition practice.

The certification exam evaluates knowledge across the full cancer care continuum—from prevention and active treatment to survivorship and palliative care. Core competencies include malnutrition screening, symptom management, medical nutrition therapy by cancer type, and understanding the nutritional effects of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and other treatments. The BCONS credential reflects a commitment to compassionate, ethical, and evidence-based nutrition support in oncology.

Exam Outline

Domain 01: Cancer Biology and Nutritional Impact (15%)
Covers basic concepts of carcinogenesis, cancer staging, tumor metabolism, and how cancer affects nutritional status across disease progression.

Domain 02: Nutrition Assessment in Oncology Patients (15%)
Focuses on screening and assessing cancer patients for malnutrition, cachexia, sarcopenia, and treatment-related side effects. Includes anthropometric, biochemical, and functional measures.

Domain 03: Nutrition and Cancer Treatments (20%)
Addresses the nutritional implications of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, stem cell transplant, and emerging targeted therapies. Includes side-effect management (e.g., nausea, mucositis, anorexia).

Domain 04: Medical Nutrition Therapy by Cancer Type (20%)
Focuses on disease-specific nutrition care for patients with gastrointestinal, head and neck, breast, lung, hematologic, and other common cancers, including enteral and parenteral support when indicated.

Domain 05: Survivorship, Palliative, and End-of-Life Nutrition (10%)
Covers nutrition care planning for cancer survivors, management in palliative settings, and ethical considerations in nutrition at the end of life.

Domain 06: Complementary, Alternative, and Controversial Therapies (10%)
Addresses patient questions and safety concerns regarding alternative diets (e.g., alkaline, keto), supplements, herbal remedies, and medical cannabis.

Domain 07: Counseling, Education, and Professional Ethics (10%)
Focuses on communicating with empathy, managing misinformation, delivering culturally competent counseling, and practicing within ethical boundaries in oncology care.

Recommended Resources

Recommended Core Texts:

Oncology Nutrition for Clinical Practice, 2nd Edition
Edited by the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
A comprehensive, evidence-based guide that spans the cancer continuum—from prevention and treatment to survivorship and palliative care. It includes disease-specific chapters, MNT protocols, symptom management strategies, and integration of the Nutrition Care Process in oncology.
Nutrition and Cancer: From Epidemiology to Biology
Edited by Lynnette Ferguson – CRC Press
Explores the mechanistic relationship between diet and cancer development, treatment outcomes, and recurrence prevention, integrating molecular and population-based evidence.
Clinical Nutrition in Oncology: Practical Guide for Nutrition Management
By Neal R. Goodwin and colleagues – Springer
Focuses on the application of nutritional strategies throughout cancer treatment, including guidelines for managing malnutrition, cachexia, and treatment-related side effects.

Supplemental Resources:

Oncology Nutrition: Educational Handouts and Resources
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – Oncology Nutrition DPG
Companion to the core textbook, offering patient education materials and quick-reference tools for clinical application.
ESPEN Guidelines on Nutrition in Cancer Patients
European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN)
Authoritative clinical practice guidelines covering nutritional interventions, screening, and decision-making throughout cancer care.
Dietary Supplements in Cancer Care
Edited by Simone G. Palmer and Debra R. Sullivan – Humana Press
Reviews evidence and safety considerations for common supplements and complementary therapies used by oncology patients.