Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Cancer Survivorship: A Global Scoping Review

This scoping review maps and synthesises existing literature on food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) among cancer survivors and carers, many of whom experience physical, psychosocial, practical and financial burdens, coupled with increased nutritional requirements from cancer and its treatment.

Six academic databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, ProQuest, Web of Science) were searched in July 2025. Studies reporting on FNI among adult cancer survivors and/or carers were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers conducted screening and data extraction, with findings summarised descriptively.

Of 7189 records, 135 studies were included (n = 115 quantitative, n = 14 qualitative, n = 6 mixed methods), mostly published within the past 5 years (n = 119, 88%) and conducted in the United States (n = 109, 81%). Most involved cancer survivors (n = 118, 87%), with few involving carers (n = 19, 14%). Among 99 (73%) studies that measured FNI at the individual or household level, 24 instruments were used, most commonly the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module (n = 33, 33%). In population-based studies (n = 22, 16%), an average of 9% (range = 4%-49%) of cancer survivors had FNI, while an average of 15% were at risk of FNI (range = 6%-55%). FNI was often associated with sociodemographic factors, including lower income and younger age, and poorer outcomes, including treatment non-adherence and mortality.

FNI is an emerging concern in cancer survivorship, but remains under-researched, particularly among carers who are often responsible for sourcing and preparing food during and after cancer treatment. Future research should prioritise diverse populations and standardised measurement approaches, and focus on developing targeted interventions from diagnosis onwards.