Culinary-Based Interventions in Cancer Care: A Scoping Review of Psychosocial Outcomes Among Patients, Survivors, and Caregivers

Abstract

Cancer extends beyond the patient, significantly affecting caregivers and continuing into survivorship. While psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based approaches are effective, they are often resource-intensive and less accessible. Culinary and cooking-based interventions have emerged as a novel, activity-based approach with potential psychosocial benefits for individuals affected by cancer. This scoping review mapped evidence on culinary and cooking-based interventions and their psychosocial outcomes among individuals affected by cancer. Guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, ProQuest, Google Scholar) were searched (January–March 2026). Of 89 records identified, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Culinary interventions were associated with improvements in psychological well-being, quality of life, self-efficacy, and social connectedness, alongside reductions in anxiety, depression, and distress. Effects appeared to operate through sensory engagement, skill mastery, and social interaction. Caregivers were underrepresented. Culinary interventions show promise as accessible psychosocial support in oncology; however, more rigorous and caregiver-focused research is needed.