repository food insecurity

This systematic review aims to identify how food insecurity (FI) affects treatment, quality of life, and survival in cancer patients. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and CINAHL/EBSCO to identify relevant studies focused specifically on cancer patients. All publications from database inception until August 2024 were included. A total of 158 articles were identified. After data extraction and analysis using inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven observational studies were selected. These studies assessed the frequency and impact of FI in oncology patients. Sociodemographic samples varied, with a predominance of patients from the United States. The frequency of FI ranged from 17% to 71% and was associated with negative outcomes such as increased risk of depression, lower quality of life, and difficulties accessing medication and adequate nutrition. FI is a critical social determinant associated with worse clinical, psychosocial, and treatment adherence outcomes in individuals with cancer. Incorporating FI screening and interventions into cancer care is an urgent priority.