Background Group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer have the potential to address commonly reported unmet needs for dietary information, as well as provide opportunities for practical and social support.

Objective To report the nutrition-related content, delivery methods, and outcomes measured in group nutrition education and cooking programs for people affected by cancer in the published literature, and describe how these programs were developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Methods A scoping review of academic literature was reported using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Key terms such as “cancer,” “nutrition education,” and “cooking” were searched across four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science) on 01 June 2023 for records published over the last 10 years. Records were independently screened by two reviewers. Data extracted included program participants, components, nutrition-related content, delivery methods, outcomes measured, and information about how the program was developed, implemented, and evaluated.

Results Of 2,254 records identified, 41 articles met eligibility criteria, reporting on 37 programs. Most programs were designed for adult cancer survivors (89%) and conducted after primary treatment (81%). Four programs invited caregivers to attend. Almost all programs (97%) included a nutrition education component, and more than half (59%) included cooking activities, with a predominant focus on recommendations and practical skills for healthy eating. Most programs were delivered by dietitians or nutritionists (54%) and included group discussions (57%) and active involvement in cooking activities (57%) in program delivery. The participant outcomes that were measured covered dietary, psychosocial, clinical, and anthropometric domains. Many programs were developed with cancer survivors, dietitians or nutritionists, and researchers. No studies reported on sustainability of program implementation or overall costs. Programs were evaluated using data from surveys, focus groups, interviews, and field notes, with articles typically reporting on participation rates, reasons for non-participation, program acceptability, aspects of the nutrition-related programs valued by participants, and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions Future research should prioritize assessing the effectiveness of these programs for participants. Future development, implementation, and evaluation of these programs should include family members and friends and assess the sustainability of program delivery, including cost-effectiveness.