Support with nutrition for women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer

Abstract

Nurses are in a unique position to provide nutritional advice and information to women with breast cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy, supporting them with making decisions regarding nutrition and diet. This narrative review evaluated the research evidence relating to the nutritional challenges experienced during chemotherapy and the most effective approaches for supporting women in dietary choice. Weight gain was identified as a specific problem for women undergoing chemotherapy. The evidence indicated that information about nutrition and food preparation support may go some way in assisting women to overcome some of the nutrition-related difficulties experienced during chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. However, further research is required to better inform person-centred nursing practice in this area.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Chemotherapy; Nutritional approaches; Patient education; Weight gain.