Nutrition Care in Cancer: An Overlooked Part of Patient-Centered Care

Nicole Erickson, Virpi Sulosaari, Erin Stella Sullivan, Alessandro Laviano, Annemieke van Ginkel-Res, Wineke Remijnse, Joost Wesseling, Ute Koepcke, Nina Weber, Jutta Huebner, Viktoria Mathies, Sebastian Theurich, Theres Fey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: Robust evidence highlights the crucial role of nutrition for people with cancer, and international organizations recognize it as a basic human right linked to health and food. Within this context, we aim to emphasize the critical role of nutrition care for cancer patients and to highlight the essential contributions of nurses in providing patient-centered nutrition care. Methods: This opinion paper synthesizes evidence and perspectives from peer-reviewed articles and position papers. Furthermore, insights were drawn from the European Commission's Health Policy Platform thematic network “Integrated Nutrition Cancer Care”. Results: Implementation of nutrition care is inconsistent, which can lead to inequalities in care. In oncology, nutrition care is vital as nutrition-related issues significantly impact clinical and patient outcomes. Studies show that cancer nurses can effectively integrate and manage nutrition care. Failure to address nutrition issues negatively impacts an array of patient outcomes and reduces quality of life. Thus, integrating nutrition care throughout routine cancer care is essential. Conclusions: Cancer nurses, as core multidisciplinary team members, are often the initial and consistent contact for cancer patients. They are ideally positioned to play a key role in securing nutrition care throughout the trajectory of cancer care. Implications for Nursing Practice: Cancer nurses should be empowered and enabled to manage all aspects of nutrition care in tandem with dietitians. This approach can improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and ensure equitable access to essential nutrition care for all cancer patients.

Original languageEnglish
Article number151799
Pages (from-to)151799
JournalSeminars in Oncology Nursing
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jan 2025

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Nutrition Care in Cancer: An Overlooked Part of Patient-Centered Care'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this