European Study Reveals Critical Gap in Nutritional Care for Cancer Patients
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Despite widespread recognition of its importance, adequate nutritional support remains largely absent from standard cancer care across Europe, impacting patient quality of life and potentially treatment outcomes.
A new European white paper, based on a comprehensive survey of over 2,500 cancer patients and survivors, exposes a significant disconnect between acknowledging the vital role of nutrition and actually delivering it within healthcare systems. The study, one of the largest of its kind capturing patient perspectives on nutrition in oncology care, reveals systemic failures that leave many individuals vulnerable to preventable suffering. Juan Ventura, a contributor to the white paper, also participated in OncoThon 2026.
The Disconnect: Awareness vs. Action
The findings paint a stark picture. While approximately 70% of patients understand that nutrition can support cancer treatment, a concerningly small minority receive the necessary support. This includes basic elements like structured nutritional assessment, professional dietary counselling, and ongoing monitoring. “Over half of respondents felt that nutrition is still not considered a core component of cancer care within their healthcare systems,” the report states.
This lack of support translates directly into diminished well-being. One in three patients reported moderate to severe impacts on their quality of life due to nutritional problems, yet shockingly, only one in five underwent nutritional screening during treatment.
Post-Treatment Neglect and Regional Disparities
The situation worsens after active therapy concludes. Despite the fact that nutritional issues frequently persist, only around 20% of patients receive any nutritional guidance post-treatment. This is particularly troubling given reports of improved quality of life among those who did receive support.
The white paper also highlights significant regional disparities in care. Southern and Eastern European countries generally offer more structured nutritional support compared to their Northern and Western European counterparts. .
Systemic Barriers to Better Care
Several key barriers contribute to this widespread problem. Insufficient funding for nutritional services, a lack of evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals, and poor implementation of existing national guidelines were repeatedly cited by patients. These systemic issues create a landscape where nutritional care is often viewed as an optional extra, rather than a crucial component of comprehensive cancer care.
“Malnutrition should be addressed as a clinical priority, not an optional supportive measure,” the report emphasizes. The authors call for a fundamental shift in how healthcare systems approach nutrition in oncology, advocating for standardized nutritional screening, increased access to dietitians, and structured follow-up care.
A Call for Coordinated Action
The white paper concludes with a powerful call for coordinated action by policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patient organizations. Ensuring that nutritional care becomes a funded, measurable, and equitable component of cancer treatment and survivorship is not merely a matter of improving patient comfort—it’s a matter of optimizing outcomes and upholding the highest standards of care. The report urges a move towards embedding nutritional support into oncology pathways across Europe, recognizing that a well-nourished patient is better equipped to fight cancer and thrive beyond it.
