A major cancer charity is set to significantly expand its dietary support programme, offering crucial nutrition lessons to patients across the entirety of its UK network.
National Rollout After Successful Pilot
Maggie's cancer charity plans to extend its dietary support to those attending all its 27 centres in Britain and Northern Ireland. This decision follows a successful partnership trial with the Royal Marsden NHS cancer trust in London, which began in 2020. The programme, which often includes practical cookery classes, is designed to help patients navigate the profound dietary challenges that frequently accompany a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
Many individuals undergoing cancer treatment experience drastic changes, including alterations to their sense of taste, a loss of appetite, or unintended weight loss. The workshops, led by specialist cancer dietitians, provide evidence-based advice to manage these issues. They also play a critical role in debunking pervasive and unproven myths, such as the idea that sugar 'feeds' cancer or that dairy products should be universally avoided.
A 'Win-Win' for Patients and the NHS
The expansion comes amid growing recognition of how proper nutrition can aid patients in coping with their illness and recovering from treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Notably, the trial with the Royal Marsden demonstrated a secondary, significant benefit: the group sessions helped reduce waiting times for the hospital's own specialist nutrition service.
Patients who previously faced delays of several months for a one-to-one appointment were instead referred to Maggie's group workshops. These sessions, accommodating 10-15 people at a time, freed up NHS dietitians to focus on patients with the most complex needs. Laura Lee, Maggie's chief executive, described the approach as a "win-win," stating it provides timely support for patients while easing pressure on NHS waiting lists.
The charity is now urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to ensure the government's forthcoming national cancer strategy, due for publication on 4 February (World Cancer Day), encourages NHS trusts across England to collaborate with them. Streeting, who was treated for kidney cancer in 2021, has previously praised charities like Maggie's for providing patient-friendly, non-clinical environments where people feel welcomed and supported.
Combating Misinformation and Filling a Vital Gap
Experts have welcomed the nationwide rollout. Isobel Booth, head of health information at the World Cancer Research Fund, highlighted that "cancer can turn food and drink into a daily struggle," leading to fatigue and weakened resilience. She emphasised that while misinformation is rampant, support from charity services like Maggie's is "invaluable," especially when NHS dietitian appointments are in high demand.
Cally Palmer, the Royal Marsden's chief executive and NHS England's former national cancer director, stated the joint service had helped ensure healthier long-term outcomes for patients and expressed delight that it would now benefit people across the UK. With centres from Manchester to Southampton already seeing positive impacts, the expansion marks a substantial step in integrating holistic, nutritional care into the cancer support landscape.
