Danone calls nutrition essential to fight disease-related malnutrition
Today, on World Cancer Day, a significant partnership is forming to address a critical, often overlooked aspect of cancer care: malnutrition. Danone is joining forces with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to advocate for the recognition of nutritional care as an essential component of cancer treatment and to bolster workplace protections for its employees facing a cancer diagnosis.
The Scope of the Problem
Cancer-related malnutrition is described as a “prevalent yet overlooked challenge” in oncology. Up to 70% of individuals living with cancer experience malnutrition, which negatively impacts both the effectiveness of treatment and the recovery process. This can lead to a concerning cycle, as one in three patients may delay or even stop treatment due to weight loss.
The Economic Impact
The consequences of cancer-related malnutrition extend beyond individual patient well-being. It significantly strains healthcare systems. In the EU, the economic burden is estimated to reach up to €17 billion (US$20 billion) annually, according to Danone research.
A Multifaceted Approach
Danone’s commitment extends to its own workforce through the “Working with Cancer Pledge,” designed to ensure job security and reduce the stigma associated with a cancer diagnosis. The company is also advocating for the integration of medical nutrition into standard oncology protocols, collaborating with organizations like the European Cancer Organization.
Danone’s medical nutrition brand, Nutricia, offers products like Fortimel, designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of cancer patients, with a focus on enhancing the overall care experience. These products are supported by digital tools and educational resources for both caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Why Malnutrition is Often Missed
According to Katrien van Laere, senior VP and chief medical and scientific officer at Danone, cancer-related malnutrition can be missed at any stage of the care pathway. This is often due to a lack of standardized screening protocols, limited nutritional pathways, and competing demands on resources. The risk is particularly high at diagnosis and during active treatment.
Fragmentation of care as patients move between hospital, outpatient, and recovery settings also contributes to the problem, increasing the likelihood that nutritional support is delayed or lost. Between 30–80% of patients may experience weight loss during their illness, and malnutrition is considered a contributing factor in 20–40% of all cancer-related deaths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which patient groups are most at risk of malnutrition?
Patients with gastrointestinal cancers (colon, stomach, and pancreatic), head and neck cancer, and lung cancer are at particularly high risk. Older adults, those with advanced disease, and individuals experiencing treatment side effects that impact their ability to eat are also especially vulnerable.
How can nutrition be better integrated into cancer care?
Routine nutritional screening from the time of diagnosis, with clear intervention thresholds and regular reassessment, is crucial. Nutrition should be a planned and reviewed component of the treatment plan, integrated within multidisciplinary teams with defined responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
What is Danone doing to support its employees with cancer?
Through the “Working with Cancer Pledge,” Danone is providing its employees diagnosed with cancer with a job safety net, personalized support, a nutrition support program, and a commitment to breaking down the stigma associated with the disease.
As healthcare systems grapple with increasing demands and limited resources, prioritizing nutritional support for cancer patients could be a key strategy for improving treatment outcomes and easing the burden on already stretched systems.