CHANDIGARH, 04.02.26-Marking World Cancer Day 2026 with a strong focus on supportive care, the Department of Dietetics, PGIMER Chandigarh, organized a special diet camp for day-care chemotherapy patients at New OPD, PGIMER today.The initiative highlighted the often under-recognized role of nutrition in cancer management, positioning food as a vital ally in treatment and recovery.

Leading the camp, Dr. Nancy Sahni, Chief Dietician and Head, Department of Dietetics , sensitized patients and caregivers on dietary planning before, during, and after chemotherapy, explaining that food, when used judiciously, can work as a therapeutic tool. She noted that adequate energy and protein intake helps patients cope better with treatment stress, adding that nutritional gaps arising from poor appetite, nausea, or gastrointestinal side effects can be safely bridged using polymeric, monomeric, or disease-specific oral nutrition supplements.

Dr. Nancy Sahni observed, “Nutrition is not an adjunct but an integral part of cancer therapy, capable of strengthening immunity, improving tolerance to treatment, and enhancing overall quality of life.”

Addressing widespread dietary myths surrounding cancer, Dr. Sahni emphasized the need to move away from fear-based food restrictions. Patients were guided to adopt evidence-based, individualized diets, tailored to their medical condition rather than popular misconceptions.

Gracing the occasion, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, underscored the importance of food safety and sustainability in cancer care. He highlighted that cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to infections, making hygienic food preparation essential, while also encouraging patients to prefer locally sourced, fresh produce. As Prof. Koushal remarked, “ Going “Vocal for Local” in food choices ensures freshness, reduces preservatives, and supports both health and sustainability.”

Bringing a clinician’s perspective, Prof. (Dr.) Pankaj Malhotra, Head, Department of Clinical Haematology and Medical Oncology, drew attention to food–drug interactions, cautioning that certain foods and supplements may interfere with chemotherapy effectiveness. Dr Malhotra stressed that informed dietary decisions during treatment are as important as medication adherence, noting that the right nutrition supports therapy, while unverified practices may inadvertently compromise outcomes.

A key feature of the camp was personalized dietary counselling, where patients and caregivers received tailor-made diet plans based on chemotherapy cycles, comorbidities, and baseline nutritional assessment including intake, weight, BMI, food preferences, aversions, and gastrointestinal health. This individualized approach ensured practical and sustainable dietary guidance beyond the hospital setting.

The programme also included the distribution of nutritious drinks and healthy snacks, translating advice into practice. With approximately 150–200 participants, the camp reflected strong patient engagement and awareness.

The initiative offered a meaningful World Cancer Day observance, reinforcing PGIMER’s holistic cancer care philosophy, where clinical treatment is seamlessly supported by nutrition, education, and compassion—reminding patients that healing often begins with informed choices at the dining table.