Childhood cancer care in India is undergoing a vital transformation. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, one critical factor has long remained under-addressed nutrition. For children battling cancer, especially those from underserved communities, malnutrition can be as life-threatening as the disease itself.
The FoodHeals™ Nutrition Program, led by Cuddles Foundation, is redefining pediatric cancer treatment by placing nutrition at the heart of childhood cancer care. By integrating personalized nutrition support into hospital-based oncology treatment, FoodHeals™ is changing not just outcomes but the future.
The Nutrition Crisis in Childhood Cancer Care
In India, over 76,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and a majority begin treatment already malnourished. Data from the FoodHeals™ Report highlights a persistent and alarming trend nearly 60% of children with cancer are undernourished at diagnosis, and about 65% consume less than half of their daily calorie and protein needs.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation increase a child’s nutritional requirements by 20–90%, yet side effects like nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, and poor absorption make it difficult for children to meet these needs. This nutritional gap leads to:
- Reduced tolerance to cancer treatment
- Higher risk of infections
- Treatment delays or dropouts
- Compromised growth and long-term health
Without structured nutritional intervention, even the most advanced cancer care for children can fall short.
Why FoodHeals™ is a Game-Changer in Pediatric Cancer Treatment
The FoodHeals™ Nutrition Program was designed to address this exact gap by treating nutrition as an essential part of therapy, not an optional add-on.
1. Nutrition Integrated Directly Into Hospital Care
FoodHeals™ works inside government and charitable hospitals by deploying trained pediatric oncology nutritionists as part of the cancer care team. This ensures that nutrition assessment and intervention begin at diagnosis and continue throughout treatment and recovery.
This approach is especially crucial in India, where nutritionist-to-patient ratios remain extremely low, limiting personalized care in many hospitals.
2. Personalized Nutrition Care for Every Child
At the core of FoodHeals™ is a structured Nutrition Care Process, tailored to each child’s diagnosis, treatment phase, side effects, and growth needs. This includes:
- Detailed nutritional assessments
- Identification of deficiencies and risks
- Customized diet plans aligned with treatment
- Continuous monitoring and adjustments
Children with solid tumors are often the most nutritionally vulnerable and receive focused interventions to bridge severe calorie and protein gaps.
3. Comprehensive Food and Nutrition Support
FoodHeals™ goes beyond counselling by providing direct nutritional support, including:
- Hot, nutritious hospital meals
- Oral and therapeutic nutrition supplements
- Proteins, fruits, and fortified foods
- Monthly ration kits for families
- Advanced feeding support when required
This ensures continuity of nutrition even when children are unable to eat normally due to treatment side effects.
Improving Outcomes Through Nutrition-First Care
Adequate nutrition has been shown to significantly improve childhood cancer care outcomes, including:
- Better treatment tolerance
- Fewer infections and complications
- Improved treatment adherence
- Enhanced quality of life
- Reduced long-term health risks
By addressing malnutrition early and consistently, FoodHeals™ helps children stay stronger physically and emotionally throughout their cancer journey.
Cuddles Foundation: India’s Leading NGO for Cancer Children
Founded in 2013, Cuddles Foundation is India’s only ngo for cancer children dedicated exclusively to nutrition support. Through FoodHeals™, Cuddles partners with 42 government and charitable hospitals across 14 states, supporting thousands of children every year.
What sets Cuddles apart is its hospital-embedded, data-driven, and child-centric model, which ensures nutrition becomes a standard of care in pediatric cancer treatment, not a privilege.
Changing the Future of Childhood Cancer Care
The FoodHeals™ Program proves that when nutrition is integrated into medical treatment, outcomes improve dramatically. It demonstrates a future where:
- No child starts cancer treatment malnourished
- Nutritionists are a core part of oncology teams
- Families are empowered with knowledge and support
- Survival is not determined by socioeconomic status
This model is not just changing individual lives—it is setting a new benchmark for cancer care for children in India.
Feeding Strength, Fueling Hope
Cancer may weaken a child’s body, but nutrition strengthens their ability to fight back. Through the FoodHeals™ Nutrition Program, Cuddles Foundation is transforming pediatric oncology by addressing one of its most overlooked determinants of success.
By nourishing children during their most vulnerable moments, FoodHeals™ is not just supporting treatment—it is changing the future of childhood cancer care in India.Support the mission. Feed a child. Starve cancer.
Learn more at https://www.cuddlesfoundation.org/
