Aims: Group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer have the potential to address unmet needs for dietary information whilst also providing opportunities for practical and social support. This scoping review describes the content, delivery, and outcomes of group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer, and how these programs were developed, implemented, and evaluated.
Methods: Four electronic databases were searched (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science) using key terms relevant to cancer, nutrition education, and cooking. Screening and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data extracted included program participants, topics, nutrition-related content, delivery, outcomes, and information about how the program was developed, implemented, and evaluated.
Results: Of the 2,254 records identified, 40 articles met eligibility criteria, reporting on 36 programs. Most programs were designed for adult cancer survivors (89%) and were conducted after primary treatment (81%). Only four programs invited caregivers. Many programs were developed with dietitians or nutritionists, cancer survivors, and researchers. Over half the programs were facilitated by dietitians or nutritionists (56%) and included hands-on activities (58%) and group discussion (56%). Outcomes included improvements in participants’ diet quality, nutrition knowledge, quality of life, fatigue, inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and anthropometric measures. However, other program components (in addition to nutrition education and cooking), for example, exercise and support for mental wellbeing, may have contributed to these outcomes. No studies reported on sustainability of program delivery and program costs. Based on evaluations, participants valued the social support received, practical activities, and delivery by qualified healthcare professionals.
Conclusions: Group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer can improve participant health outcomes. Little is known about the maintenance of these outcomes long-term, in addition to the sustainability of program delivery, social value of the programs, and benefits to caregivers.