New helpline offers nutritional advice for people living with cancer

05 Jun 2023

World Cancer Research Fund is expanding its support services by launching a new helpline, which offers up-to-date, reliable nutritional information for people living with and beyond cancer.

World Cancer Research Fund’s helpline is run by a team of oncology specialist dietitians. The service aims to help people get the nutritional advice needed to support their cancer treatment and recovery, and will address issues such as taste changes, appetite loss, nausea and constipation as well as how to maintain a healthy weight during treatment.

Christopher Allen, Cancer Support Programme Manager at World Cancer Research Fund comments: ‘We wanted to provide people with cancer a helpline where they can access expert nutritional information. This can often be difficult through the NHS. Treatments such as chemotherapy can make it more of a challenge to eat as you normally would while absorbing the necessary nutrients – and we’ll offer tips and support to make mealtimes easier and more enjoyable for those with a cancer diagnosis.’

Debbie Hack, Oncology Specialist Dietitian, who takes calls on the helpline, says: ‘When I heard about World Cancer Research Fund’s new nutrition helpline my immediate thoughts were ‘at last, something that fills the gap’.

‘Dietetic services for cancer vary significantly across the UK and those affected don’t always have access to credible nutritional support. Our helpline addresses this fundamental need. Some people just require reassurance or guidance on how to access the right information, and now we are here to help with that.’

The helpline number is 0333 034 1988 and is currently available Tuesdays 12pm-2pm and Thursdays 6pm-8pm. These hours of operation will be expanded as the year progresses.

More information is available at: www.wcrf-uk.org/health-advice-and-support/living-with-cancer/the-cancer-nutrition-helpline/