Supporting people to manage nutrition throughout their cancer journey

Abstract

Cancer and its associated treatments can result in a range of adverse symptoms which can affect a person’s ability to consume, digest and absorb food and fluids. These are collectively referred to as nutrition impact symptoms, and they can occur singularly or in combination at any stage of the cancer journey. If left unmanaged, nutrition impact symptoms can result in diminished nutritional intake, leading to malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia, which can result in suboptimal cancer treatment outcomes and reduced quality of life. Therefore, early recognition and management or alleviation of nutrition impact symptoms is crucial. This article explores nutrition impact symptoms and the dietary modifications that can be used to manage or alleviate these symptoms. It also discusses the role of the nurse in nutrition screening and assessment and in providing nutritional support interventions.