An approach to the provision of nutrition services in a cancer treatment centre

Nutritional care of the cancer patient has been the subject of extensive publications in recent years. Its importance, although generally recognized, has not led to universal availability of nutrition services to cancer patients and their families. Nutritional care can be supportive or palliative and must be coordinated with the care provided by other members of the multidisciplinary team. This article presents some of the important factors involved in the implementation of nutrition programs in a cancer treatment centre. The need for enthusiastic, competent, and human delivery of nutritional care is emphasized.