A leading cancer charity, Maggie's, is to offer nutrition lessons to patients across Great Britain after a trial showed the classes help patients manage dietary challenges and reduce NHS waiting times. The charity, which runs 27 centres, will extend its dietary support following a successful partnership with the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London since 2020.
Many people with cancer find that the disease or treatment alters taste, dulls appetite, or leads to weight loss. Maggie's workshops, led by a cancer specialist dietitian, debunk myths such as the idea that sugar 'feeds' cancer or that dairy should be avoided. The sessions include cookery classes and aim to empower patients to make informed dietary choices.
The Royal Marsden found that referring patients to Maggie's group sessions reduced waiting times for its own nutrition service. Patients who previously faced months of delay were seen in groups of 10-15, freeing up one-to-one appointments for those with complex needs. Maggie's chief executive, Laura Lee, described the approach as a 'win-win', providing timely support while cutting NHS waiting lists.
Maggie's is urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to ensure the government's forthcoming cancer strategy encourages NHS trusts to collaborate with the charity. Streeting, who was treated for kidney cancer in 2021, has previously praised Maggie's as a model for patient-friendly care, stating that charities can sometimes deliver services more effectively than the NHS.
The national cancer plan for England is due on 4 February, World Cancer Day. Isobel Booth of the World Cancer Research Fund welcomed the expansion, noting that misinformation about diet is widespread and that NHS dietitian appointments are in high demand. She said 98% of callers to her charity's helpline felt more confident managing their diet after speaking with them.
