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

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.