The nutrition support needs of cancer survivors in Ireland

In 2019 The National Cancer Registry Ireland published a report(2) which highlighted the lack of support services for an array of physical and psychological issues affecting cancer survivors, including a lack of nutrition support. All respondents that received dietary support reported they were advised to follow a healthy balanced diet (n = 20, 100%) but in some cases were advised to avoid certain foods (advised to avoid: sweets/chocolate (n = 13, 65% of respondents) processed meat (n = 11, 55% of respondents), dairy (n = 5, 25% of respondents) and red meat (n = 4, 20% of respondents)). Twenty-three percent (n = 17) of respondents felt their current diet is worse now than before their cancer diagnosis and wished for dietary support relating to practical information on how to achieve recommended nutrition guidelines (n = 55, 73% of respondents), examples of recipes for healthy living (n = 50, 66% of respondents) and clarification on misinformation relating to diet and cancer (n = 40, 53% of respondents).