Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the three most commonly diagnosed cancers globally, after breast and lung cancer, with an estimated 2 million new cases each year, comprising ten per cent of all cancers worldwide. CRC has a complex aetiology associated with several nutrition-related risk factors. Cancer survivors frequently report alterations to their dietary habits and nutritional intake, with related adverse impacts on health-related quality of life (QOL). Whilst nutrition-related factors are recognised as survivor priorities and embedded in survivor care policies, dietary support is frequently not the standard of care in practice.
Methods and results: In this Commentary, we present details of a critical policy-practice gap for CRC survivors across the spectrum of nutrition care that we have seen growing in the literature, in hospitals, community and private practice.
Conclusion: As these nutrition concerns can adversely impact QOL and morbidity and mortality risks, we hope to raise awareness of these issues to provide a basis of future work in this area, so that policymakers and clinicians can improve support and outcomes for CRC survivors and their families.
Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Nutrition care; Policy-practice gaps; Quality of life; Survivorship; Unmet needs.
© 2024. The Author(s).