Contact magazine: Food and nutrition

Louise Henry, Advanced Dietetic Practitioner (Paediatrics and TYA) at The Royal Marsden Hospital, gives an overview on nutrition while a child is receiving cancer treatment, including its challenges and tips to support families.

60 seconds with Laura Sealy, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian at Bristol Children’s Hospital

Dr Mark Brougham and Dr Raquel Revuelta-Iniesta co-chair the Cancer and Nutrition working group for Children and Young People, part of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). They tell us more about the group, the importance of nutrition and what research is happening to improve nutrition for patients.

Claire Crowley’s son, James, was diagnosed with leukaemia in November 2014. She describes the challenges of feeding James while on treatment and the nutrition support he received.

Breastfeeding during treatment can have lots of benefits for infants with cancer. Karen Jepson, Advanced Paediatric Dietitian at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explains more about the positive impact it can have.

Rudi Keyser's daughter was treated for cancer at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). He tells us how a decade later, as its Interim Head of Catering, he implemented an innovative app to help young patients to eat.

Emily Piszton was diagnosed with a type of brain tumour called craniopharyngioma in 2022, aged 11. Now 12, Emily explains how her tumour and its treatment caused her to gain weight, and what she did in response to this.

Professor Bob Phillips, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist and Contact’s medical adviser

Hannah Longstaff's daughter, Matilda, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in February 2022, aged three. She tells us how Matilda’s appetite increased after being put on steroids and about the support she has received.

Sarah Cripps’ son, Teddy, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) when 18 months old in April 2022. She explains the crucial role diet and nutrition played during Teddy’s treatment

Exploring alterations in amino acid metabolism as novel therapeutic targets in paediatric glial tumours using advanced metabolomics methods

Sometimes, due to the effects of their cancer and its treatment, children may require extra support to get the nutrition they need. Breeana Gardiner, a specialist paediatric dietitian in haematology/oncology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, explains more.