Cancer is lifechanging, sadly many of us have witnessed that around us – whether directly or through our loved ones. What is less well-known, however, is that many patients with cancer are at risk of malnutrition. This is particularly detrimental when their body needs to endure and recover from rigorous treatment. With close to 3 million malnourished patients with cancer in Europe, and as a leading provider of medical nutrition, we feel we have the responsibility to contribute to better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs. This is why, as Danone, we are joining the World Health Organization (WHO/Europe)’s call for urgent policy change, notably at the EU level, to tackle this underrecognized – yet pressing – issue.
The Overlooked Burden of Malnutrition
Malnutrition in patients with cancer is often a direct result of the disease and its treatment. The increased nutritional needs, coupled with side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite, make it difficult for patients to maintain adequate nutrition through normal diet alone. The impact of malnutrition in patients with cancer becomes clear when looking at the staggering one third of patients who report their weight loss resulted in delays, interruption or change to their treatment plan.
The Economic Impact of Malnutrition
This also has an economic impact: patients with disease-related malnutrition, such as in cancer, often have less strength, more complications, infections, and even higher mortality rates. In turn, they often require extended hospital stays, estimating to cost European governments up to €170 billion annually.
The Pivotal Role of Medical Nutrition in Cancer Care
Designed and clinically-proven to address the nutritional needs of malnourished patients, medical nutrition, which can be administered orally or through tube-feeding, can supplement patients’ regular food and drink intake. If patients take medical nutrition, they have more strength and energy, they feel better and can fight diseases better. Research also demonstrates that treating malnutrition with medical nutrition can substantially contribute to cost savings within our healthcare systems. Yet, despite these proven benefits, medical nutrition remains underutilised, with fewer than 1 in 3 patients who need it actually receiving it.
A Call to Action for EU Policymakers
Echoing the recent call from WHO/Europe, we urge governments to invest in policy changes that recognise the role of medical nutrition in disease-related malnutrition. With cancer estimated to affect about half of us during our lifetimes, with impact on both our personal and professional lives, and given the prevalence of malnutrition in these patients, tackling this condition through cancer policies is fundamental. At EU level, this would require revising Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan by addressing the policy gaps in malnutrition screening, healthcare nutritional education and access. Including medical nutrition as part of cancer care would lead to better health outcomes, improved quality of life, and a reduction in healthcare costs.
We stand ready to support this change and work hand in hand with patients and their full ecosystem including healthcare professionals, carers, and patient organizations. Together, we aim to foster a more comprehensive and patient-centric approach to treatment and recovery of which nutrition is an integral part.
Up to 70% of patients with cancer are impacted by malnutrition, which can weaken their bodies and impair their ability to recover from treatments. We need to do more to help patients on the road to recovery, writes Vytenis Andriukaitis MEP
We have all seen the pictures of emaciated patients with cancer. Even though cancer increases energy needs, both it and some treatments can give rise to nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and changes in taste or smell, all of which can make it difficult for patients to eat or maintain a balanced diet. In some cases, like with cancer of the oesophagus, it may be difficult to swallow.
As a result, many cancer patients experience malnutrition or unintended weight loss, which can weaken their bodies and impair their ability to recover from treatments. Maintaining good nutrition is essential not only for preserving strength and energy but also for supporting the immune system and minimising the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Up to 70% of patients with cancer are impacted by malnutrition[1], and the WHO Europe recently highlighted disease-related malnutrition as an underrecognized public health crisis.
In 2022, a resolution developed by the Special Committee for Beating Cancer (BECA) underlined the impact of malnutrition in cancer treatment and called on Member States to develop recommendations to incorporate clinical nutrition in all aspects of cancer care, including treatment, support and research. However, to date nutrition and medical nutrition are still not included in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.
Of course, we also have to recognise that, for too many of our fellow citizens, nutrition is currently very difficult. Recent events, both globally, such as climate change, and on our doorstep, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have driven food prices ever higher. Far too many families are experiencing food insecurity, unsure of whether they will have enough to eat from one week to the next.
And the price of the highly nutritious food that patients with cancer need is even higher. For them, the quality of the diet is as or more important than the quantity. Disease related-malnutrition is caused from the inflammation that occurs in most diseases, and to reduced food intake and assimilation. As such, effective nutritional care goes beyond the provision of normal diet and often requires medical nutrition treatment. In particular, patients need the protein that is essential if they are to repair body tissues, maintain muscle mass, and allow their wounds to heal. They also need healthy fats to provide a concentrated source of energy, while carbohydrates supply fuel for the body and brain.
And good nutrition can also enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Patients who maintain good nutritional status respond better to treatments, have fewer complications, and experience better outcomes. Conversely, malnourished patients may be at higher risk for treatment delays or dose reductions, which can impact the overall success of their therapy.
Proper nutrition also supports emotional well-being during cancer treatment. Eating nourishing and enjoyable meals can provide comfort and a sense of control for patients during a time when they may feel overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll of their illness. Careful attention to nutrition not only helps patients feel better day-to-day but can also improve long-term survival and quality of life.
All of this means that we need to see a balanced diet, appropriate to each patient’s needs, as part of their treatment and, hopefully, path to recovery. And this means that ensuring that such diets are affordable and accessible, which is often not the case. As such, we need to take food insecurity much more seriously than we have. This will not only benefit patients with cancer, but everyone who now struggles to eat a healthy diet.
Vytenis Andriukaitis is an S&D MEP from Lithuania, a member of the SANT subcommittee and former Commissioner for Health