The role of nutrition in oncology: a need for a change of attitude and curriculum.
BACKGROUND
The role of nutrition in cancer is poorly understood by Indian oncologists, who are exposed to minimal education on nutrition in their undergraduate and postgraduate careers.


METHODS
A postal questionnaire survey, without reminder, assessed the knowledge and beliefs about nutrition of 120 oncologists in India (response rate = 58%).


RESULTS
There was a lack of teaching and understanding by surgeons and radiation and medical oncologists about the role of nutrition in prevention, carcinogenesis, treatment, and outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
There needs to be much more emphasis in undergraduate and postgraduate education about the supportive role of nutrition in cancer.
Chaturvedi
Pankaj
P
Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. pankajch37@yahoo.com
Kabra
Vedant
V
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003625:Data Collection; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*; D044623:Nutrition Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*