Nutritional care in childhood cancer

Every child with cancer deserves care that nourishes both their physical and emotional needs.

Nutritional support is a vital, yet an often overlooked aspect of paediatric oncology treatment.

Treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, increase the child’s energy needs whilst frequently reducing food tolerance and appetite.

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A child may encounter adverse consequences, such as nausea, mouth sores, and taste changes, that contribute to an unfavourable eating environment while their body is fighting infection and undergoing recovery. 

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Nutritional support should be included as an essential part of care for every child with cancer.

Tolerance, growth, and recovery

Providing a child with sufficient nutrition supports their treatment tolerance, growth, and recovery. Research has indicated that malnourished children face more infections, treatment delays, and longer hospital stays. Even modest gains in muscle strength and weight can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. 

To ensure that a child with cancer can achieve this, early nutrition screening is imperative. A dietitian will evaluate a child’s weight trends, food intake, biochemical parameters, clinical signs, and growth from the initial diagnosis onwards. Nutrition plans are individualised per child and regularly updated according to the child’s unique needs. 

A dietitian will educate families on practical ways to increase the child’s protein and energy intake through their daily meals, for example, adding peanut butter, milk powder, or oil to porridge. 

If it has been identified that the child’s oral intake is insufficient, enteral (tube feeding) or parenteral (intravenous) nutrition may be recommended to assist the child in maintaining their strength during their treatment. 

Dietitians will further collaborate with doctors, psychologists, and nurses to also manage side effects and reduce the child’s mealtime stress. 

Families are encouraged to recognise small achievements, such as trying a new food, maintaining weight during challenging periods, or even just finishing a supplement.

Ultimately, nutritional care in childhood cancer is about more than just the kilojoules. It’s a focus on supporting the child’s immunity, confidence, and growth, and providing hope during one of the hardest journeys a child can face. 

Mikyla Heins is a registered dietitian currently completing her Master’s degree in Paediatric Oncology. Her focus is on improving nutritional outcomes for children undergoing treatment, with a commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care.