The importance of eating well

One of the aims of the Fiona Littledale Award is to enable the recipient to receive additional training and input. Here, this year's recipient, writes about her most recent training funded by the award.

What the health professional wants to know about nutrition? London Study day 2019

I was fortunate to attend this study day at the Royal Marsden and as nurses working in oncology will know diet and cancer is not a new topic but something so many people after a cancer diagnosis ask about. The Royal Marsden is unique in having many dieticians working in specific types of cancer. In many NHS hospitals such as the one I am based in, unless you have weight loss, eating or absorption problems then it’s unlikely you will be able to discuss diet changes with a registered dietician. However, a study day to learn from the Royal Marsden’s dietetic expertise was a very worthwhile day and I’ve already used much of the information in our survivorship courses and in normal day to day support of people I work with.

Several years ago while working in breast care this was a subject I researched and wrote a Breast Cancer and Diet fact sheet on as there was so much conflicting information causing problems for people. It would be impossible to summarise all the evidence based information delivered on the day into a short article so I thought it best to explain how I have started to make use of what was presented on the day;

The importance of healthy a well-balanced diet has to be the main message unless someone has problems maintaining weight or absorbing nutrients. We have known for many years now that in certain cancers reducing weight and maintaining a health BMI is one of the most important things to reduce recurrence in such as breast cancer. In colorectal cancers The World Cancer Research Fund 10 cancer preventions are considered applicable for patients post treatment. Supplements and ‘what should I be taking?’ is a common question we are asked about and often people come with ideas suggested to them from some well-meaning person or vague source. But there is generally no need to take any supplement if you are having a well balanced diet. The exception is vitamin D if you at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to certain medications and treatments. Public Health England (2016) have clear recommendations when this should be considered and as mentioned is the only supplement that ‘may’ be needed.

There is no legal definition to the term ‘super food’ and the term is banned by the EU but people ask about foods which are often financially promoted or linked to inconclusive animal research. Again encouraging a health well balanced diet underpins the advice given to people but I guess at times it just feels too simple? Perhaps the best bit of advice is to enjoy your food but for diet information stick to reputable organisations and if possible a registered dietician or knowledgeable health professional!

-Maria Leadbeter