Health Professionals’ Guide to Supporting Cancer Survivors

Background information

Thanks to research, better treatments and screening programmes, survival rates for cancer continue to improve. Over half of the population diagnosed with cancer can expect to survive for more than five years. It is now estimated that there are around 2.2 million cancer survivors in the UK.

Cancer survivors are at a higher risk of concurrent health problems such as osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease, as well as either a recurrence of their first cancer or a new cancer. Therefore it is particularly important that oncology doctors and health professionals take a proactive approach in supporting cancer survivors on the best ways to reduce their risk of future health problems through nutrition and physical activity.

This factsheet is a practical guide for health professionals on the ways diet and activity can influence the health of cancer survivors. It also explains how to use our comprehensive booklet Eating Well and Being Active Following Cancer Treatment written by Jane Freeman, an oncology dietitian. The booklet is essential reading for people who have recovered from cancer. A set of 25 booklets can be ordered for £12.50 and individual copies can be downloaded or requested free of charge.

WCRF UK recommends that cancer survivors should follow WCRF UK’s Recommendations for Cancer Prevention. People who are underweight, have experienced significant weight loss, had surgery affecting the digestive system, have swallowing problems, bowel problems or any other difficulties eating a normal diet, should be given individual guidance by a suitably qualified health professional. Registered dietitians working in oncology will usually be the most suitable people to give specific nutrition guidance to individuals. However, all health professionals can help ensure cancer survivors receive optimal nutrition and are informed of the links between weight, activity, diet and cancer.

Download WCRF UK Health Professionals’ Guide to Supporting Cancer Survivors