Assessing essential needs expressed by breast and gynecological cancer patients with food insecurity

Food insecurity poses a challenge for cancer patients, who must maintain adequate nutrition during treatment. This study analyzed data from 295 low-income participants in the NCI-funded Food to Overcome Outcome Disparities trial to examine the overlap between degree of food security and other essential needs. Patients with very low food security reported greater financial toxicity from cancer care and lived in more disadvantaged areas than those with low food security. Financial, supportive service, and housing needs were highly expressed among participants, particularly those with very low food security. These results underscore the multiple social burdens facing food insecure cancer patients.