To make matters worse, the report further highlights that cancer in children increases the need for additional food intake. Research shows that children with cancer require 20 to 90 per cent more calories than healthy children. However, 65 per cent of them are consuming less than half of their nutritional requirements, according to the report.

Moreover, the report underscores a critical shortage of nutritionists at hospitals to assist families in navigating these complex needs. The data reveals that there is only one nutritionist for every 407 pediatric patients in non-accredited cancer hospitals, while accredited hospitals have one nutritionist for every 54 patients.
The Cuddles Foundation has been working with seven hospitals, including Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) and Wadia Hospital, to bridge the gap between treatment and nutritional needs. In the past year alone, the foundation has catered to 18,000 children.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.86%

AAP 41.43%

INC 25.71%

Submit

View All In Poll

While doctors from TMH, where the foundation has deployed four nutritionists, remained unavailable for a comment, the head of the haematology-oncology department at BJ Wadia Hospital Dr Sangeeta Mudaliar said, “When a child arrives malnourished, we are deeply concerned about potential complications.”

She noted that the NGO had provided three nutritionists who accompany doctors on rounds to discuss each patient's nutritional needs. “In many cases, direct food intake is not possible due to the side effects of chemotherapy. In such instances, we either place children on a liquid diet or enteral feeding, and in severe cases, we administer IV fluids,” she said.
 
76,000
Approx No.  of children diagnosed with cancer annually in India