Culinary Nutrition Interventions for Those Living with and Beyond Cancer and Their Support Networks: A Systematic...

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nutrition
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Cancer survivors face persistent challenges in nutrition, wellbeing, and long-term health.
• There is a recognized need for evidence-based, personalized dietary support to sustain healthy eating behaviors.
• Current practical approaches for maintaining healthy eating post-cancer are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the impact of culinary nutrition interventions on individuals living with or beyond cancer.
• To evaluate effects on dietary intake, psychosocial and health outcomes, anthropometrics, and clinical markers.
• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of these interventions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science) up to April 2025.
• Narrative synthesis of 18 identified studies involving 1173 participants.

Main Results:

• Interventions were highly acceptable, well-received, and showed strong engagement with minimal adverse effects.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in dietary intake, quality of life, mental health, and symptom management.
• Positive effects were also noted in self-efficacy, cognitive health, food behaviors, anthropometrics, and metabolic biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Culinary nutrition interventions demonstrate potential as supportive, behavior-focused strategies for cancer care.
• These programs align with oncology nutrition guidelines and address patient needs effectively.
• Further high-quality research with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up is necessary to quantify effects and guide integration into cancer care.