Book details advice for cancer patients to counter 'world full of nutrition misinformation'

Katie Johnston and Dr. Samantha Cushen from School of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Cancer Research at University College Cork have co-authored Menopause, Diet & Cancer. Photo: Portia Ameyalli Garcia Cruz

Cancer patients face “a world full of nutrition misinformation”, a top dietician has warned as the Irish Cancer Society and University College Cork launch a book to tackle the problem.

Treatments such as surgery and radiation therapy can cause early menopause and the symptoms are likely to be harsher and last longer than a natural menopause, according to the HSE.

The Irish Cancer Society has now partnered with University College Cork dietitians to create a booklet for patients facing this struggle.

Dr Samantha Cushen and Katie Johnston from the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences and Cancer Research at UCC, have co-authored Menopause, Diet & Cancer. Dr Cushen said finding clear nutrition advice is vital.

“For too long, women have been left to piece together guidance from too many - often conflicting - sources,” she said.

“In a world full of nutrition misinformation, this book brings it all together, offering clarity, compassion, and credible answers in one evidence-based guide designed to support, inform, and reassure.” 

It includes scientific evidence, patients’ lived experience, and advice with input from 16 patients. She said trusted advice on diet should be a standard part of care, saying: “Much more needs to be done to ensure every woman has access. And we are determined to make that a reality.” 

In Marguerite Herlihy’s case, she was shocked to enter sudden menopause aged just 40 after treatment for breast cancer.

The mother of three said: “This experience has been one of the most difficult and unpredictable challenges I’ve ever faced.” 

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She explained: "The very treatments that are keeping me alive also carry long-term risks to my heart, bones, brain, and other vital organs.” 

She welcomed the book, saying there is information in it that she wasn’t able to find anywhere else. “This is the first Irish publication that has truly made me feel seen,” she said.

“Not just in terms of my diagnosis, but in the full complexity of what I’m dealing with.” 

It can be downloaded free from the Irish Cancer Society website.

Meanwhile, pharmacy chain Boots on Wednesday announced its 94 stores in Ireland will join the state’s free HRT scheme for menopausal women.

The chain will share details on how to use HRT prescriptions on the Boots website and in pharmacies from June 1.