Mentoring and professional support programs in cancer nutrition for regional dietitians

Increasing numbers of cancer patients are receiving radiotherapy treatment in regional areas, in addition to those requiring long-term local follow-up on treatment completion at metropolitan centres. Dietitians in rural and remote areas are by necessity required to practise a broad range of nutritional interventions. A limited knowledge of specialist cancer nutritional management, particularly for head and neck and upper gastrointestinal cancer, can arise from lack of exposure to a cancer caseload, limited access to professional development and recruitment and retention issues. Mentoring and professional support has been demonstrated to improve confidence, facilitate skill development and build professional networks. Mentoring and professional support programs in head and neck and upper gastrointestinal cancer across various states in Australia assist regional dietitians and other health professionals in improving care for regional cancer patients through support in delivering a high quality and sustainable service.