Maria Erdman (photo by Jim Howe) Maria Erdman (photo by Jim Howe) Lung cancer can impact nutrition in several ways, explains Maria Erdman, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the Upstate Cancer Center. She provides suggestions for the best foods to eat during cancer treatment, and some foods to avoid. Lung cancer can impact nutrition in several ways, explains Maria Erdman, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the Upstate Cancer Center. She provides suggestions for the best foods to eat during cancer treatment, and some foods to avoid.