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ZENODO
Report . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Report . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Report . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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From Evidence to Action: Improving Nutrition Support for Cancer Survivors

Authors: Keaver, Laura;

From Evidence to Action: Improving Nutrition Support for Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Rationale, Aims and Objectives Cancer survivorship is increasing globally due to advances in detection and treatment, creating a growing population with complex long-term health needs. Nutrition plays a key role in improving quality of life, reducing recurrence risk and managing comorbidities. However, despite strong evidence linking diet, body composition and metabolic health with survivorship outcomes, access to consistent, evidence-based nutrition care remains limited. This policy brief aims to highlight the gap between evidence and practice in nutrition for cancer survivors, identify key barriers within healthcare systems and propose strategies to integrate nutrition more effectively into survivorship care pathways. Research Findings The research highlights that while nutrition significantly influences survivorship outcomes, there is substantial inconsistency in guidance, access and delivery of nutrition care. Survivors frequently experience long-term effects such as fatigue, metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular risk, which can be improved through appropriate dietary support. However, nutrition is often not systematically embedded within oncology services, and access to dietetic support varies widely. Evidence-based interventions exist but are not consistently implemented, reflecting a clear evidence–practice gap. A tiered model of nutrition care is proposed for integration into current healthcare systems. Policy Implications Policymakers should prioritise the integration of nutrition into cancer survivorship care as a standard component of treatment pathways. This includes investing in dietetic workforce capacity, embedding nutrition screening and support across oncology services and ensuring equitable access to evidence-based interventions. Standardised guidelines and care models are needed to reduce variability in practice and improve outcomes. Policy should also support multidisciplinary approaches and long-term follow-up, recognising survivorship as an ongoing phase of care rather than an endpoint. Strengthening health systems to deliver consistent nutrition care could reduce healthcare burden and improve quality of life for survivors. Industry Recommendations The National Cancer Control Programme, working with the Health Service Executive, should strengthen the integration of nutrition within cancer survivorship models of care. This includes embedding routine nutrition screening and referral pathways within oncology services, and expanding access to specialist oncology dietitians across acute and community settings. Standardised, evidence-based patient education resources should be developed to support self-management. Investment in digital health and telehealth dietetic services can enhance access and continuity, particularly in underserved areas. A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach is required to ensure consistent implementation of nutrition care across the cancer continuum in Ireland

Related Organizations
Keywords

Aftercare, Patient Care, Ireland, Cancer, Nutrition

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    popularity
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    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green
Related to Research communities
Cancer Research