Many cancer patients worry that they will not be able to cover the costs of their treatment. One way to cover the costs of treatment is a fundraiser for cancer treatment. What to consider in the budget, and why should medical nutrition be medical nutrition? Find out how proper nutrition during cancer treatment affects the success of the entire treatment.
Tests, lodging, hygiene supplies—what should be included in the cost of cancer treatment?
Cancer treatment involves costs that often exceed the financial means of the patient and their family. While it is true that treatment covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ) includes access to diagnostics, medications, and procedures in accordance with the reimbursement list, in most cases this is not enough. What costs does a cancer patient bear? Cancer treatment also involves so-called hidden costs. These include, among other things, travel to medical facilities, lodging, the purchase of hygiene products, psychological support, and medical nutrition. And it is precisely the latter that we will focus on in this article.
Check out: how to help people with cancer.
Nutrition in Cancer – How Does an Oncology Diet Affect a Patient’s Condition?
A cancer diet is a source of energy and nutrients for the patient. Without it, the body is too weak to fight the disease. A diet during cancer treatment should include an adequate supply of protein, usually more than for people without cancer. In an ideal world, a cancer patient would eat vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and dairy products every day. In reality, patients often face the side effects of treatment and stress. Cancer therapy significantly affects the patient’s body. It is taxing and may be associated with a loss of appetite, anorexia, nausea, and diarrhea, which typically lead to dehydration, electrolyte loss, and the development of malnutrition in the patient. In such cases, supportive nutrition—so-called medical nutrition.
What is medical nutrition in oncology?
Medical foods are foods intended for people who are unable to obtain the necessary nutrients through a traditional diet. One of the most common uses medical nutrition is oncology. It is used both in malnourished individuals and in patients at risk of malnutrition.
Depending on the patient’s needs, medical nutrition can take various forms. For individuals with a normal swallowing reflex and no malabsorption issues, these include oral nutritional supplements in liquid or powder form. Medical nutrition for cancer patients, especially those struggling with gastrointestinal diseases, may also take the form of enteral or parenteral nutrition, or a combination of both if necessary.
Medical nutrition in oncology, as in any other case, must be administered under the supervision of a doctor or a nutritionist.
Does medical nutrition help in the treatment of cancer?
Yes, an oncology diet and medical nutrition are essential support for the body during chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical treatment, and recovery afterward. The development of malnutrition in a cancer patient leads to a range of potential complications, including prolonged treatment duration, increased treatment costs, the risk of treatment interruption, and even the patient’s death. Malnutrition is associated with a weakened body and increased susceptibility to infections. It delays wound healing and prolongs recovery time after procedures. It can also lead to the development of anemia and a decline in physical function.
Is medical nutrition covered by the National Health Insurance Fund?
Medical nutrition is covered by the National Health Fund (NFZ) during the patient’s hospital stay. At home, if the patient meets certain criteria, enteral and parenteral nutrition are covered. Oral nutritional supplements are not covered.
Check out: logistics of home care for cancer patients.
How much does medical nutrition cost?
The cost of medical nutrition depends on the type of nutritional therapy the patient receives. For oral nutritional supplements, the average cost of a bottle is around a dozen or so zlotys. A patient must consume between 1 and several bottles of the supplement daily. Over the course of weeks and months during which the patient must rely on these types of products, the costs of an oncology diet can amount to as much as several thousand zlotys. This is a significant expense, which is why many patients opt out of it. It doesn’t have to be this way. Remember that assistance for cancer patients also covers the costs of medical nutrition.
Cancer treatment – costs of medical nutrition in the fundraising budget
If you’re planning to start a fundraiser for cancer treatment for yourself or a loved one, be sure to include the cost of medical nutrition in your budget. The funds raised will help support the body during the demanding course of cancer treatment. Not sure how to estimate the cost of an oncology diet? At Cancer Fighters, we organize fundraisers for cancer treatment for children and adults. We support our patients at every stage of their battle with cancer by providing financial, psychological, and practical assistance. Contact us, and we’ll help you determine treatment expenses and the so-called hidden costs of cancer therapy.
Bibliography
- Nutritional therapy as part of cancer treatment, termedia.pl, accessed May 29, 2026.
- Kłęk S. Nutritional therapy in oncology. Advances in Clinical Nutrition. 2024;19:85–94.
- Goral K, Skrzypek M. The Role of the Dietitian in the Treatment of Cancer Patients, Medical Aspects of Cosmetology and Dietetics (2018): 175.
- Jankowski M. Nutritional therapy improves the effectiveness of anticancer treatment. Bulletin of the Polish Society of Oncology: Nowotwory. 2017;2(5):401–404.
