Nutrition for patients treated for cancer

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine nutritional interventions for patients being treated for cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprises a literature review plus discussions with registered dietitians.

Findings

A 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/implications

This paper is a literature review plus discussions, not intervention studies.

Practical implications

The paper may provide practical nutritional applications which can be used by those working with patients being treated for cancer.

Social implications

This paper provides information for those working with people undergoing treatments for cancer.

Originality/value

There are few papers on this subject and most focus on enteral feeds.

Citation

Blades, M. (2013), "Nutrition for patients treated for cancer", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 236-242. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346651311327882