A recent report, Food Heals Report 2024, released by Cuddles Foundation, reveals the alarming role malnutrition plays in childhood cancer care in India. Cuddles Foundation, a non-profit working with 40 public hospitals across 14 states, highlights that many children diagnosed with cancer are severely undernourished, affecting their ability to fight the disease.
The Public Health Concern of Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer is a major health issue in India. One of the main challenges is the lack of specific programs and policies focused on childhood cancer treatment and control. Pediatric oncology services are available in just 41.6% of public hospitals, 48.6% of private hospitals, and 64% of NGO-run hospitals. This limited access to specialized care means many children aren’t getting the support they need.
According to the report, around 76,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India. Unfortunately, between 57% to 61% of these children are undernourished by the time they receive their first nutrition consultation. This lack of proper nutrition weakens their ability to handle treatments like chemotherapy and makes them more prone to complications and infections.
The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Treatment
The report stresses that proper nutrition is essential in pediatric cancer care. Without it, the chances of a successful treatment outcome decrease significantly. For the past three years, malnutrition has remained a serious problem for children with cancer in India.
The study found that 65% of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients consume less than half of their daily required calories and protein. This not only makes it harder for them to tolerate treatment but also increases the risk of infections, poor growth, and delayed recovery.
The Need for More Nutritionists and Support
The report also highlights a shortage of specialized nutritionists in Indian hospitals. In accredited cancer hospitals, there is only one nutritionist for every 54 patients. In non-accredited facilities, this ratio is even worse at 1:407. Experts are calling for immediate investment in nutrition services, including more trained nutritionists and structured nutrition care processes in pediatric oncology.
The report advocates for personalized nutrition care to improve recovery and long-term health outcomes. It calls for mandatory nutrition interventions in cancer treatment, along with more funding and the recruitment of pediatric oncology nutritionists. With the right support, every child can have a better chance of fighting cancer, without malnutrition standing in the way.
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