Brussels, February 5, 2025 – The European Parliament recently hosted a crucial roundtable discussion on “Advancing Optimal Nutritional Care: Addressing Disease-Related Malnutrition in Europe.” Organised by the Medical Nutrition International Industry (MNI) and held under MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis (S&D, Lithuania), the event brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and industry experts. MEP Tomislav Sokol (EPP, Croatia) was also in attendance, showing his strong support for the initiative.

The Missing Link in Cancer Care: Nutrition

MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis, a former oncological surgeon, set the tone for the discussion, emphasising that cancer care must be patient-centred and multidisciplinary. “We need collaboration between industry, doctors, nutritionists, and—most importantly—patients themselves,” he stated.

Lieve Wierinck, Chair of Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) and a former MEP, added a critical perspective as both a pharmacist and a patient advocate. She highlighted a sobering reality: up to 20% of cancer patients succumb to malnutrition rather than the cancer itself.

“Nutritional care is not an afterthought; it’s a vital part of treatment,” Wierinck stressed. “Yet, it remains overlooked in too many healthcare systems.”

The Stark Reality of Malnutrition in Cancer Patients

Cancer patients face significant nutritional challenges, particularly those with digestive cancers. Up to 80% of cancer patients experience malnutrition, leading to poorer treatment outcomes, prolonged recovery times, and reduced quality of life. The issues they face include:

• Severe weight loss due to malabsorption and metabolic changes.
• Swallowing difficulties, nausea, and diarrhoea hinder proper nutrient intake.
• Financial burdens, as essential nutritional supplements and therapies often come at a high out-of-pocket cost.

Bridging the Gaps: What Needs to Change?

Experts and policymakers at the roundtable identified several critical gaps in current healthcare systems:

✅ Lack of Integration – Nutrition is not systematically included in oncology care.

✅ Limited Access – Many European healthcare systems lack trained dietitians specialising in gastrointestinal cancers.

✅ Lack of Awareness – Many clinicians are not educated on the role of nutrition in cancer care.

✅ Financial Barriers – Nutritional support often isn’t reimbursed, making it inaccessible to many patients.

A Call to Action: Transforming Cancer Care Through Nutrition

To address these pressing issues, participants proposed the following key actions:

1. Develop EU-wide guidelines to integrate nutrition into cancer care from diagnosis to survivorship.
2. Ensure reimbursement for medical nutrition, removing financial barriers for patients.
3. Invest in specialised training for healthcare professionals on the role of nutrition in oncology.
4. Encourage multi-sector partnerships between governments, healthcare providers, patient organisations, and the medical nutrition industry.
5. Prioritise patient voices in designing and implementing nutritional interventions.
6. Fund research into cancer-related malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia to fill knowledge gaps.
7. Collect and analyse data on the impact of nutritional support in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

For Digestive Cancer Patients, the Stakes Are Even Higher

Patients facing digestive cancers encounter even more significant nutritional challenges. To guarantee they receive the highest quality care, experts at the roundtable emphasised the importance of:

• Routine nutritional assessments to identify risks early.
• Personalised nutrition plans that consider cultural preferences and enhance adherence.
• Ongoing support for survivors, as nutritional challenges often persist beyond treatment.

A Unified Effort for Lasting Change

The roundtable concluded with a strong consensus: nutrition must become a fundamental part of cancer care. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and patient advocates must collaborate to drive systemic change, ensuring that no cancer patient is left to battle malnutrition alone.

As Europe continues its fight against cancer, integrating nutritional care into treatment pathways is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Author:

Ghislaine Gerbier