The Plate Matters: Exploring the Intersection of Food Insecurity in Patients with Cancer

Abstract

This paper explores the overlooked influence of food insecurity on cancer care, its correlation with malnutrition and poor patient outcomes, and potential strategies for intervention. Food insecurity, the inconsistent access to nutritionally adequate food, significantly impacts up to 55% of patients with cancer, particularly among minority populations, and those of lower socioeconomic status. This multidimensional issue contributes to malnutrition, impairs treatment adherence, and increases mortality rates among patients with cancer. It also exacerbates health disparities, and is intricately tied to systemic factors, such as poverty, discrimination, unemployment, and chronic health conditions. The authors’ review elucidates the negative impact of food insecurity on cancer treatment outcomes, and highlights the need for holistic interventions, including on-site, community, and federal initiatives. Addressing food insecurity within cancer care requires comprehensive, multilevel collaborations to improve nutritional status and health outcomes for patients with cancer. Despite growing awareness of food insecurity among patients with cancer, significant gaps remain in intervention development, access, and effectiveness. Existing clinical trials are limited, underscoring a lack of understanding of food insecurity’s impact on cancer care. Within cancer care, we need improved food insecurity screening, more collaborations across sectors, and rigorous research to evaluate intervention impacts. These steps, while potentially lacking immediate impact, are essential for sustainable health improvement and long-term food insecurity reduction. The intricate link between food insecurity and adverse cancer outcomes calls for comprehensive strategies, going beyond food provision, to address systemic issues of racism and poverty.