Oncologists Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Providing Dietary Guidance to Patients With Cancer

Abstract

Background: Multiple studies link dietary patterns to cancer risk and survivorship outcomes with cancer-specific guidelines focusing on fiber and plant-rich, minimally processed diets. Additionally, patients frequently report unmet needs for dietary counselling. There is limited data on oncologists' knowledge and attitudes towards this evidence and whether it influences their clinical practice. Methods: A 25-question survey was distributed to oncology professionals with 150 evaluable responses. The survey assessed respondents' demographics, personal dietary choices, knowledge of dietary guidelines, and practice behaviors. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact and Pearson's Chi-squared tests. Results: Most respondents considered dietary choices important for cancer risk reduction (77.4%), during treatment (66.7%) and for survivorship (76.6%), with 23.3% referring all patients to a dietitian. Barriers to implementing dietary counselling included lack of time (66.7%) or knowledge (54%), or resources (54.7%) or lack of reimbursement (22%). Oncologists following plant-based dietary patterns were more likely to value dietary counselling, engage in self-directed learning, and perceive diet as relevant throughout the cancer care continuum. Conclusions: Despite established dietary guidance, significant gaps in training and practice persist. Enhancing nutrition education, increasing access to resources, consistent reimbursement of dietitian appointments, and generating robust clinical evidence are essential to support oncologists.

Keywords: cancer survivorship; clinical practice patterns; dietary counselling; nutrition education; oncology; physician attitudes; plant-based diet.