Cuddles Foundation report highlights critical role of nutrition in childhood cancer care

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Cuddles Foundation has released a report titled ‘FoodHeals: Exploring Nutritional Aspects of Childhood Cancer in India’. The report underscores the importance of nutrition in paediatric oncology care in India, highlighting how malnutrition continues to impede effective treatment and affect survival rates and quality of life for many children.

The report reveals that approximately 76,000 children in India are estimated to develop cancer each year. It notes that between 57 per cent and 61 per cent of these children are undernourished at the time of their initial nutrition consultation. This figure has remained stable over the past three years. Malnutrition hampers their ability to tolerate cancer treatments, resulting in increased complications and infections, which in turn affects treatment outcomes.

Purnota Dutta Bahl, Founder and CEO of the Cuddles Foundation, emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue. She stated, “The findings of the Food Heals Report 2024 underscore a heartbreaking reality—malnutrition continues to be one of the greatest challenges in paediatric cancer care. At Cuddles Foundation, we have seen firsthand how proper nutrition transforms a child’s fight against cancer. We urgently need to address the shortage of specialised nutritionists, invest in training, and prioritise nutrition as an integral part of cancer care. Together, we can ensure that no child loses their battle because they lack proper nutrition.”

The report also indicates that 65 per cent of newly diagnosed paediatric cancer patients consume less than half of the daily recommended calories and protein. This inadequate nutrition leads to reduced tolerance to treatment, higher infection rates, and impaired growth and healing.

Dr Manas Kalra, Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, remarked, “Transforming the future of childhood cancer care starts with nutrition. Nutritional care, often overlooked in paediatric oncology, is essential to improving treatment outcomes for these young patients. We must acknowledge that medical treatments work better when supported with the right food intake and ensure that nutritional support is embedded in every stage of cancer treatment, from diagnosis to recovery.”

The report also points out a shortage of specialised nutritionists in hospitals across India. Currently, the ratio of nutritionists to patients is 1:54 in accredited cancer hospitals and 1:407 in non-accredited facilities. The report calls for increased investment in nutrition services, specialised training for nutritionists, and the implementation of structured Nutrition Care Processes (NCP) in paediatric oncology.

Personalised nutrition care is highlighted as crucial for enhancing recovery and long-term health. The report advocates for targeted nutrition interventions to become a standard component of paediatric oncology care, recommending enhanced funding, specialised training, and recruitment of more paediatric oncology nutritionists.

The report concludes with a call to action, urging a renewed focus on nutrition as a fundamental aspect of paediatric cancer treatment and recovery. With increased effort and investment, there is hope that no child will struggle against cancer due to malnutrition.