WCRF Partnership
World Cancer Research Fund – NIHR Cancer and Nutrition Collaboration partnership
World Cancer Research Fund and NIHR Cancer and Nutrition Collaboration are working together to build stronger connections between nutrition and cancer communities. Our aim is to improve prevention, care and survivorship through coordinated action across research, policy and clinical practice.
We are creating a UK-wide network including:
- Healthcare professionals
- Academics
- Researchers
- Policymakers
- Charities and community leaders
Nutrition and physical activity are vital to cancer prevention and survivorship. Currently, there are many challenges to integrating these elements into patient care. We need to find more ways to provide evidence-based patient information on nutrition, improve knowledge and practice among healthcare professionals, and foster collaboration between UK-based organisations interested in cancer, nutrition and physical activity.
Our priorities
1. Workforce development
Collaborating on innovations in workforce development, including CPD-accredited training for future health professionals and medics. Our work is bringing nutrition and cancer learning into undergraduate medical curriculum – starting with the universities of Lincoln and Southampton and supported by clinical experts.
2. Broadening evidence-based support
Sharing our resources with more clinical experts and healthcare professionals. Our Cancer and Nutrition Helpline is now supporting Royal Marsden dietetic appointments – providing relief for patients facing long wait times.
3. Building genuine partnerships
Developing sustainable partnerships across NHS services, charities, and community organisations, that respect clinical workflows and ensure consistent, evidence-based messaging. Forging better working relationships among professional groups and the cancer and nutrition communities while advocating for increasing nutrition workforce capacity and better nutritional education within the NHS.
An opportunity for change
The UK healthcare system excels in so many areas of cancer treatment, but there is untapped potential in cancer prevention and survivorship. This provides a real opportunity to improve outcomes by focusing on long-term wellbeing as well as treatment.
We know that many healthcare professionals want more confidence, training and time to address nutrition and lifestyle issues with their patients. At the same time, patients and families often seek trustworthy advice but struggle to find it when they need it most.
Why collaborate?
A more integrated approach offers significant benefits for everyone involved:
- Healthcare professionals gain practical tools and training to support patients holistically
- Patients receive more comprehensive care that addresses both treatment and lifestyle factors
- Healthcare systems can invest in smarter, sustainable prevention strategies
- Communities are empowered by coordinated approaches that make healthy choices easier