The Victorian Cancer Malnutrition Collaborative (VCMC) program aims to increase understanding and knowledge and promote action strategies to address cancer malnutrition. We proudly support this work, along with the Victorian Government, and Western Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Services.
Who the Victorian Cancer Malnutrition Collaborative is
The VCMC community is made of our lead team based at Peter Mac, dietitians from around Victoria working in cancer care, cancer consumers, health professionals, community organisations and policy makers – all working together to educate, engage and improve the care, systems and information provided to people with cancer and their supports.
Cancer malnutrition
Nutrition is important for all people with cancer regardless of diagnosis, treatment type or timing in the cancer pathway. Cancer malnutrition is common in people with cancer but should not be considered an expected side effect of cancer. Malnutrition should be prevented at all stages of the cancer journey as it can cause problems such as:
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An increase in the side effects from treatment; the chance of infection; time spent in hospital; and negative impacts on muscle health.
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A decrease in muscle mass and strength; how well treatment works; how well your immune system works; wound healing.
Reports and publications
- Cancer malnutrition point prevalence study 2022: summary report
- Cancer malnutrition point prevalence study 2018: initial results
- Summary of Feeding Everyone from Hospital to Home project results
- Phase II summary report - Malnutrition in Victorian cancer services summary report 2013
- Phase III summary report - Phase III Malnutrition in Victorian Cancer Services: summary report
- Cancer malnutrition: feeding everyone from hospital to home - final project report
- Cultural adaptation of the Malnutrition Screening Tool and associated resources - final project report
Victorian Cancer Malnutrition Collaborative fact sheets and links
- CanEAT pathway and MST (Malnutrition Screening Tool) infographic for people with cancer and their carers
- CanEAT pathway and MST infographic for health professionals
- Malnutrition Screening Tool - available in English and 10 other languages
- Malnutrition governance toolkit
- Malnutrition in Cancer eLearning program
Communication and events
To keep informed and updated on project work being undertaken within the VCMC we welcome you to subscribe to our email list. This will give you access to our bi-annual eNewsletters and includes an invitation to join free Community of Practice events.
Previous VCMC e-Newsletters
- August 2024
- March 2024
- August 2023
- June 2023
- March 2023
- August 2022
- February 2022
- July 2021
- December 2020
- August 2020
- October 2019
- July 2019
- November 2018
Community of Practice
The bi-annual Community of Practice event provides a forum for participants to interact, share their practice and deepen their knowledge of nutrition care in cancer. This will help to assist in guiding state-wide nutrition projects. Partnering with consumers in the development and evaluation of services vastly improves their quality, relevance, and public confidence, and is a requirement of the National Standards.
We welcome you to subscribe to the VCMC email list to receive project updates and invitations to VCMC events and forums.
Contact the Victorian Cancer Malnutrition Collaborative
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General enquiries -
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Project oversight -
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