“More people are surviving cancer, but nutrition is still being left behind,” said Dr Laura Keaver, a senior lecturer in Human Nutrition and Dietetics at the Atlantic Technological University in Donegal.
“Survivors deserve evidence-based support that helps them live well, not confusion or guesswork,” said Dr Keaver, who led the review, ‘Nutrition in Cancer Survivorship: Bridging the Evidence-practice Gap’.
She said one of the most striking findings of the research was the limited and inconsistent access to evidence-based nutrition care for cancer survivors, despite clear evidence of benefit.
Many survivors are motivated to improve their diet following treatment, yet often do not receive timely or appropriate guidance, the review found.
Without professional support, individuals may rely on unreliable sources of information, leading to confusion, anxiety and, in some cases, unnecessary dietary restriction, she added.
Dr Keaver said it is not about rigid rules or perfection, adding: “Nutrition after cancer doesn’t have to be perfect or complicated. What survivors need is clear, trustworthy guidance that supports their recovery and quality of life.”
She added that small, realistic dietary changes can make a meaningful difference to health outcomes and well-being.
A prostate cancer patient could benefit from a high protein diet with resistance exercise
In comparison to the general population, lower intakes of fruit and vegetables and a poorer dietary quality have been reported among adult cancer survivors, the review found.
Persistent treatment-related symptoms frequently continue well into survivorship, directly influencing food preferences, intake and metabolic outcomes.
For common cancers such as breast cancer, a patient can have symptoms like fatigue, altered taste or smell and weight gain. A dietary strategy in this instance could include protein-rich meals, a Mediterranean-style diet and resistance exercise.
A prostate cancer patient can suffer weight gain or loss, constipation or loss of muscle. They could benefit from a high protein diet with resistance exercise, and fibre and hydration for bowel health. The research also highlights concerns for those treated for cancer in childhood or young adulthood.