Food Heals Report 2024 is out: Says Undernourishment is a hurdle in childhood cancer treatment

A report titled “Food Heals Report 2024” was released on 5th September 2024 in Mumbai. It was released on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. According to this report, 76,000 children between 0 to 19 years may complicate their cancer situation because of undernourishment. A non-profit organization named “Cuddles Foundation” released the above-mentioned report after analyzing 40 public hospitals across 14 states.

More about “Food Heals Report 2024”

According to the recently released “Food Heals Report 2024”, more than half of childhood cancer patients are not getting adequate nutrition. Over the past three years, this data remained constant. While speaking to reporters , Purnota Dutta Bahk, founder and CEO of the foundation, said, “Malnutrition continues to be one of the greatest challenges in pediatric cancer care. 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.”

Besides, more than 65% of newly diagnosed paediatric cancer patients consume less than 50% of the optimum daily calories and proteins. Because of inadequate nutrition consumption, cancer treatment tolerance decreases. Similarly, undernourishment increases infection rates and compromises growth.

To support this nutrition requirement argument, a senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Manas Kalra said, “Transforming the future of childhood cancer care starts with nutrition.”

Most of the authorities accept the fact that nutrition is a crucial aspect of high-level cancer treatment for children. But the lack of specialised nutritionists remains a hurdle. According to the “Food Heals Report 2024”, the current nutritionist-to-patient ratio in accredited cancer hospitals is 1:54. It is high time to focus on enough nutritionists and adequate nutritional care for childhood cancer patients.

Final Words

According to research titled “Role of Nutrition in Pediatric Patients with Cancer”, regular nutritional monitoring should be an integral part of diagnosis during treatment and follow-up. Collaboration between Pediatric oncologists and nutrition specialists can be the way forward for better days for childhood cancer patients.