Evaluating the Gaps in Nutritional Care for Cancer Patients: Insights from the CIPOMO (Collegio Italiano Primari Oncologi Medici Ospedalieri) National Survey

Malnutrition, a key factor in oncology, affects 20–70% of cancer patients and influences both cancer risk and outcomes, being linked to decreased treatment tolerance, higher toxicity, lower quality of life, and shorter survival. Although international guidelines recommend early and systematic nutritional screening, its adoption in clinical practice remains inconsistent. This study, promoted by the Italian College of Hospital Medical Oncology Directors (CIPOMO), aimed to provide a national snapshot of current organizational practices regarding nutritional screening, assessment, and management in Italian oncology centers. A 15-item survey was sent to 165 centers to investigate organizational practices and awareness of nutrition and physical activity in cancer care. Data were collected and analyzed as overall percentages. A total of 100 centers responded (61%). Although a nutritional assessment is routinely conducted at diagnosis in 67% of centers (n = 67), only 31 centers perform it for all patients. The remaining centers limit nutritional assessment to high-risk or selected patient groups. Moreover, although 86% of centers have dedicated professionals, multidisciplinary integration remains limited. Validated nutritional screening tools are used in 69% of centers, but follow-up reassessment is rarely systematic (15%). However, awareness of the importance of nutrition is high, with nearly all centers supporting educational interventions and dedicated nutritional pathways. Despite this high level of awareness, a significant gap remains between guideline recommendations and daily clinical practice. Standardizing early nutritional screening, enhancing multidisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring equitable and consistent access to nutritional services are crucial to fully integrating nutrition into oncology care and improving patient outcomes.