Sharing plates : cooking and coping with cancer.

Abstract

This paper presents the collaboration between National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and a group of six final-year students from Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in an inaugural campaign that aims to produce and promote Sharing Plates—the first local cookbook by the cancer community to the cancer community. Leveraging on 12 patient profile stories and 40 recipes of homemade dishes, the cookbook serves as a communication platform to a) demystify cancer diet and nutrition by clarifying the fact that cancer patients are able to enjoy everyday food with only minimal alterations in diet and b) inspire and encourage cancer patients and caregivers through uplifting anecdotes as well as campaign events that promote the support network of fellow members of the cancer community. The campaign also aims to emphasise NCCS’ role as a holistic organisation by increasing its focus on nutritional needs of cancer patients. This paper details the research that directed the conceptualisation of the cookbook and campaign strategy. It also focuses on various elements of the campaign, with a final discussion on post-campaign evaluation as well as limitations and future recommendations.