Maggie's set to expand nutrition courses after trial was shown to cut NHS waiting lists

Maggie's is set to roll out its nutrition workshops to all its centres across the UK, after a trial showed that the classes not only help people negotiate the dietary challenges of cancer, but also cut NHS waiting times.

Many people with cancer find that cancer or cancer treatment changes the taste of their food, dulls their appetite, or leads to them losing weight.

Maggie’s has been advising its visitors about food in a partnership with the Royal Marsden NHS foundation trust in London since 2020. Maggie’s centres in Manchester and Southampton also provide sessions, which often include cookery classes.

Nutrition support to be offered in all Maggie's centres

We plan to extend our dietary support to anyone visiting our 27 centres across the UK, amid growing awareness of how good nutrition can help cancer patients cope with and recover from the disease and the effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

The workshops – led by a cancer specialist dietitian – help patients by debunking popular myths about cancer and nutrition, such as that sugar “feeds” and helps spread the disease, and that they should avoid dairy products.

Relieving strain on NHS nutrition wait lists

Maggie’s is urging Wes Streeting, the health secretary, to ensure the government’s forthcoming cancer strategy encourages every NHS trust in England to collaborate with it, after the Marsden found that the classes helped reduce waiting times to access its own nutrition service.

Patients who previously faced a delay of several months to attend were instead referred to the sessions Maggie’s instigated, which brought together 10-15 people at a time, which enabled those with more complex nutritional needs to be seen one-to-one by Marsden staff.

A win-win for the NHS and cancer patients who need nutrition support

Dame Laura Lee DBE, Chief Executive at Maggie's, said: “Cancer treatments can impact appetite, tastes and nutritional needs and many people worry about what they should and shouldn’t be eating during treatment and beyond.

Group nutritional workshops at Maggie’s help people with cancer identify fact from fiction, encouraging them to follow a healthy, balanced diet but ultimately empowering them to make the best decisions for their individual needs.” 

In a plea to Streeting – who was treated for kidney cancer in 2021 – she added:

This approach is a win-win: people with cancer get timely, trusted nutrition support, which is vital, while the NHS benefits from reduced waiting lists.

The national cancer plan for England is due to be published on 4 February, which is World Cancer Day.

“Cancer can turn food and drink into a daily struggle. When appetite and taste change, or eating becomes uncomfortable, people can lose weight and feel too tired to cope”, said Isobel Booth, Head of Health Information at the World Cancer Research Fund.

“Many people experience major taste changes, sore mouths or no appetite at all, while others need help finding ways to increase calories and protein to stay strong during treatment.”

She welcomed Maggie’s plans to expand its nutrition, cookery and myth-busting sessions. “Misinformation is everywhere and when someone is going through cancer treatment or in recovery it’s even more important to get it right.

“Appointment with NHS dieticians are in high demand, so support from charity services like these can be invaluable.” Booth added that 98% of callers to the World Cancer Research Fund’s cancer and nutrition helpline found it made them more confident managing their diet.

Streeting believes charities can provide some healthcare in a more patient-friendly way than the NHS. He cited Maggie’s as an example when talking to the media after a major speech last year on health inequalities.

“The NHS should try to work in partnership better with charities. Sometimes, charities are better placed to deliver services and are more approachable. I think about Maggie’s … that supports people with cancer and their families, you go in, it’s warm, it’s welcoming.

“You don’t feel like you are in a clinical service. They would never describe themselves as a service. And whenever I go into one I think everyone should have this, but I’m glad they’re providing it, not the state.”

Cally Palmer, the Marsden’s Chief Executive and a former NHS England Cancer Director, said its nutritional and diet support service alongside Maggie’s had helped ensure “healthier long-term outcomes form patients.

“We are delighted that it will now be extended to other Maggie’s centres to benefit cancer patients across the UK.”

How Maggie's can help

Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.

Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.

• Just come in 
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org 
• Our phone lines and centres are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm