In brief
- Nestlé is supporting the World Society of Surgical Oncology (WSSO) to develop expert recommendations on nutritional care for patients undergoing cancer surgery.
- Up to 70% of cancer patients may be malnourished, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
- A global panel of 15 medical experts will review the evidence and develop practical recommendations, expected in the second half of 2027.
Nestlé will support the World Society of Surgical Oncology (WSSO) in an international initiative to develop expert recommendations on nutritional care for patients undergoing cancer surgery. The aim is to build a more consistent approach to nutrition in surgical cancer care and encourage healthcare systems to identify patients at nutritional risk and provide appropriate support.
Malnutrition is an often-overlooked issue in cancer treatment. Studies suggest that up to 70% of cancer patients may be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, depending on tumor type and clinical context.1 Malnutrition can also increase healthcare costs, with studies showing substantially higher costs for malnourished patients.2
Appropriate nutritional support before an operation can reduce the risk of complications and infections as well as the length of hospital stays and unplanned readmissions. An analysis of 56 trials found that providing nutritional support before surgery reduced complications and shortened hospital stays.3
"This global initiative can help put nutrition where it belongs: at the centre of cancer surgery," said Dr. Sara Colombo Mottaz, Pharm PhD, Head of Medical, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs Unit at Nestlé. "By improving diagnosis for malnutrition and providing the right nutritional support, we can help achieve better outcomes for patients while helping to reduce pressure on healthcare systems."
The first-of-its-kind panel will bring together 15 medical experts from around the world, spanning surgery, nursing, anesthesia and dietetics. The independent panel will review the latest scientific evidence and develop practical recommendations to help integrate nutrition more systematically into the care of cancer patients undergoing surgery.
"We know that nutritional care can contribute to better outcomes for patients undergoing cancer surgery, but it is not yet consistently part of surgical care," said Dr. Rodrigo Pinheiro from the World Society of Surgical Oncology. "Through this collaboration, we aim to help translate the evidence into practical recommendations that can improve care for patients worldwide."
The panel's conclusions and recommendations are expected in the second half of 2027. They will be shared with healthcare professionals, policymakers and governments to raise awareness and recommend adoption of evidence-based nutritional practices in cancer care.
1 BMC Cancer. 2025 / ESPEN. 2025
2 A study in the UK found that managing a malnourished patient costs GBP1 753 vs GBP750 over six months. (Guest et al, 2011)
3 Zhang et al., 2019
Media inquiries
Phone: +41 21 924 2200
Email: [email protected]
