Nutrition for patients treated for cancer

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine nutritional interventions for patients being treated for cancer.Design/methodology/approachThis study comprises a literature review plus discussions with registered dietitians.FindingsA total of 40 per cent of those with cancer are found to have some form of malnutrition. Assessment of malnutrition is recommended. A number of nutrition interventions were found which can be applied in a practical situation.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is a literature review plus discussions, not intervention studies.Practical implicationsThe paper may provide practical nutritional applications which can be used by those working with patients being treated for cancer.Social implicationsThis paper provides information for those working with people undergoing treatments for cancer.Originality/valueThere are few papers on this subject and most focus on enteral feeds.