Samantha Cushen
Research Profile
Samantha Cushen
Contact Details
Lecturer
T: 0214902846
E: samantha.cushen@ucc.ie
T: 0214902846
E: samantha.cushen@ucc.ie
Dept of Food & Nutritional Sciences
University College Cork
Cork
Ireland
T: +353-21-490-3000
E: samantha.cushen@ucc.ie
Biography
Samantha graduated from Trinity
College /Dublin Institute of Technology with a BSc (1H) Human Nutrition and
Dietetics. She completed her PhD studies in March 2015, at University
College Cork (UCC) entitled "Cancer
associated malnutrition prevalence of cachexia, sarcopenia and impact on
treatment outcomes, survival and health related quality of life". The
main focus of her post doctoral research was to design pilot studies to identify
if a bioactive from milk had any physiological effect on appetite in the
malnourished oncology & elderly population. Following on from her post
doctoral studies, Samantha took up the position of Practice Tutor/Special
Lecturer in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, at University College Dublin.
During that time, Samantha was appointed Project Manager for The European
Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD), supporting European
dietitians in initiating, conducting and disseminating research at a high level. In 2017, she returned to
Cork and joined the academic staff at UCC where she is now a lecturer on the MSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckr07/
Samanthas experience covers all areas of dietetics and she has given many presentations, media interviews and lectures to the public and fellow professionals in Ireland, the UK and Australia. Samantha has taught nutrition to undergraduates and postgraduates at University College Dublin, Monash University and University College Cork in: nutritional sciences, dietetics, nursing, medicine, food marketing, speech and language therapy and public health. She has published numerous peer reviewed articles, has presented her research at several international scientific meetings and her research has attracted a number of both national and international awards. Her main research interests include (1) assessing the relationship between body composition (sarcopenia and cancer cachexia) and health outcomes in patients with malignant disease (2) investigating the nutrition specific needs of cancer survivors as well as the impact of diet on longer-term cancer recurrence and survival. Samantha is a CORU Registered Dietitian and also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education from UCC.
Samanthas experience covers all areas of dietetics and she has given many presentations, media interviews and lectures to the public and fellow professionals in Ireland, the UK and Australia. Samantha has taught nutrition to undergraduates and postgraduates at University College Dublin, Monash University and University College Cork in: nutritional sciences, dietetics, nursing, medicine, food marketing, speech and language therapy and public health. She has published numerous peer reviewed articles, has presented her research at several international scientific meetings and her research has attracted a number of both national and international awards. Her main research interests include (1) assessing the relationship between body composition (sarcopenia and cancer cachexia) and health outcomes in patients with malignant disease (2) investigating the nutrition specific needs of cancer survivors as well as the impact of diet on longer-term cancer recurrence and survival. Samantha is a CORU Registered Dietitian and also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education from UCC.
Research Interests
My research is situated within the field of clinical nutrition, with a particular focus on cancer survivorship, womens health, and applied nutrition interventions. I have developed a translational research profile that bridges evidence-based practice with both clinical application and community engagement, especially in the areas of oncology and dietetics.
A core area of expertise is body composition assessment, with a focus on identifying and addressing sarcopenia and cachexia in individuals undergoing cancer treatment. I was the first dietitian in Ireland to be trained in advanced body composition technologies (using computed tomography (CT) scans) and have integrated this expertise into both research and education.
Cancer survivorship and menopause are central themes in my current research. I collaborate on the LYSA and LIAM Mc randomised control trials, which evaluate dietitian-led education interventions for cancer survivors. In parallel, I lead initiatives focused on optimising dietary support for women during peri-menopause, exploring the relationship between nutrition, hormonal changes, and symptom management. To support knowledge translation, I create public-facing resources, including podcasts and webinars, to expand access to reliable nutrition information.
I maintain an active interest in learning and teaching research, with a particular focus on digital pedagogy and interprofessional learning. My recent projects explore the use of podcasting and experiential learning to build competency and confidence among dietetic students, supporting innovation in professional education.
A core area of expertise is body composition assessment, with a focus on identifying and addressing sarcopenia and cachexia in individuals undergoing cancer treatment. I was the first dietitian in Ireland to be trained in advanced body composition technologies (using computed tomography (CT) scans) and have integrated this expertise into both research and education.
Cancer survivorship and menopause are central themes in my current research. I collaborate on the LYSA and LIAM Mc randomised control trials, which evaluate dietitian-led education interventions for cancer survivors. In parallel, I lead initiatives focused on optimising dietary support for women during peri-menopause, exploring the relationship between nutrition, hormonal changes, and symptom management. To support knowledge translation, I create public-facing resources, including podcasts and webinars, to expand access to reliable nutrition information.
I maintain an active interest in learning and teaching research, with a particular focus on digital pedagogy and interprofessional learning. My recent projects explore the use of podcasting and experiential learning to build competency and confidence among dietetic students, supporting innovation in professional education.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body |
Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEFS New Connections Research Grant Award | University College Cork | 14-MAR-22 | 01-JAN-23 | 3,500.00 | |
| Nutrition Society Travel Bursary | Other: Not Listed | 19-JUN-23 | 15-SEP-23 | 600.00 | |
| HRB Summer Student Scholarship | Health Research Board | 06-JUN-23 | 04-AUG-23 | 2,400.00 | |
| Cancer Research Networking Award 2022 | Irish Cancer Society | 01-JAN-23 | 31-AUG-23 | 1,349.00 | |
| SEFS New Connections Summer Bursary Award | University College Cork | 27-MAR-23 | 27-AUG-23 | 3,500.00 | |
| Research Start Up Fund. | Miscellaneous | 01-SEP-21 | 31-AUG-26 | 7,500.00 |
Books
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | Menopause, Diet and Cancer.
SJ Cushen & KE Johnston (2025) Menopause, Diet and Cancer. Dublin: Irish Cancer Society. [Details] |
Book Chapters
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2021) | 'The Role of the Dietitian in Palliative Care'
SJ Cushen & AM Ryan (2021) 'The Role of the Dietitian in Palliative Care' In: Nathan I. Cherny , Edited by Marie T. Fallon , Edited by Stein Kaasa , Edited by Russell K. Portenoy , Edited by David C. Currow (eds). Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. [Details] |
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | 'Study protocol: LIAM Mc trial (Linking In with Advice and supports for Men impacted by Metastatic cancer)'
Noonan B., Bredin P., Cahill A. M., Corkery S., Johnston K. E., Medved K., Cusack A. M., Hegarty J., Saab M. M., Cushen S. J., Connolly R., Palmer B., Dahly D., Murphy M., Bambury R. M., Gleeson J. P. (2025) 'Study protocol: LIAM Mc trial (Linking In with Advice and supports for Men impacted by Metastatic cancer)'. Plos One, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2025) | 'What women want: Focus group discussions to inform the design of nutrition resources for women impacted by menopause following cancer treatment'
Cushen SJ, Murphy M, Johnston KE (2025) 'What women want: Focus group discussions to inform the design of nutrition resources for women impacted by menopause following cancer treatment'. Clinical Nutrition Espen, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2024) | 'Nutrition for female menopausal cancer survivors: Developing Irelands first resource'
Johnston K, Ryan A & Cushen SJ (2024) 'Nutrition for female menopausal cancer survivors: Developing Irelands first resource'. The Boolean, [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2022) | 'The Women's Health Initiative cancer survivorship clinic incorporating electronic patient-reported outcomes: a study protocol for the Linking You to Support and Advice (LYSA) randomized controlled trial'
Kearns N, Raigal-Aran L, O'Connell K, Davis A, Bermingham K, O'Reilly S, Collins DC, Corrigan M, Coulter J, Cleary V, Cushen S, Flavin A, Byrne F, O'Grady A, O'Neill D, Murphy A, Dahly D, Palmer B, Connolly RM, Hegarty J (2022) 'The Women's Health Initiative cancer survivorship clinic incorporating electronic patient-reported outcomes: a study protocol for the Linking You to Support and Advice (LYSA) randomized controlled trial'. Pilot And Feasibility Studies, [Details] |
|
| (2022) | 'A large, multicentre prospective study demonstrating high prevalence of malnutrition associated with reduced survival in ambulatory systemic anti-cancer therapy patients'
Sullivan ES, Daly LE, Scannell C, Ni Bhuachalla E, Cushen S, Power DG, Ryan AM (2022) 'A large, multicentre prospective study demonstrating high prevalence of malnutrition associated with reduced survival in ambulatory systemic anti-cancer therapy patients'. Clinical Nutrition Espen, [Details] |
|
| (2021) | 'Health professionals' knowledge, views and advice on diet and dental health: a survey of UK and Ireland dietitians and dentists'
Kingsnorth, J;Cushen, SJ;Janiszewska, K;Avery, A (2021) 'Health professionals' knowledge, views and advice on diet and dental health: a survey of UK and Ireland dietitians and dentists'. Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 34 :705-714 [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2020) | 'Determinants of quality of life in patients with incurable cancer'
Daly, Louise E.: Dolan, Ross D.; Power, Derek G.; Ní Bhuachalla, Éadaoin; Sim, Wei; Cushen, Samantha J.; Fallon, Marie; Simmons, Claribel; McMillan, Donald C.; Laird, Barry J.; Ryan, Aoife M. (2020) 'Determinants of quality of life in patients with incurable cancer'. Cancer, 126 (12):2872-2882 [ Publisher's Version] [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2019) | 'The relationship between the BMI-adjusted weight loss grading system and quality of life in patients with incurable cancer'
Daly L.;Dolan R.;Power D.;Ní Bhuachalla É.;Sim W.;Fallon M.;Cushen S.;Simmons C.;McMillan D.;Laird B.;Ryan A. (2019) 'The relationship between the BMI-adjusted weight loss grading system and quality of life in patients with incurable cancer'. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2018) | 'Loss of skeletal muscle during systemic chemotherapy is prognostic of poor survival in patients with foregut cancer'
Daly, LE;Ni Bhuachalla, EB;Power, DG;Cushen, SJ;James, K;Ryan, AM (2018) 'Loss of skeletal muscle during systemic chemotherapy is prognostic of poor survival in patients with foregut cancer'. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 9 :315-325 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2018) | 'Computed tomography diagnosed cachexia and sarcopenia in 725 oncology patients: is nutritional screening capturing hidden malnutrition?'
Ni Bhuachalla, EB;Daly, LE;Power, DG;Cushen, SJ;MacEneaney, P;Ryan, AM (2018) 'Computed tomography diagnosed cachexia and sarcopenia in 725 oncology patients: is nutritional screening capturing hidden malnutrition?'. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 9 :295-305 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2017) | 'Does Prolonged Enteral Feeding With Supplemental Omega-3 Fatty Acids Impact on Recovery Post-esophagectomy Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Trial'
Healy, LA;Ryan, A;Doyle, SL;Bhuachalla, EB;Cushen, S;Segurado, R;Murphy, T;Ravi, N;Donohoe, CL;Reynolds, JV (2017) 'Does Prolonged Enteral Feeding With Supplemental Omega-3 Fatty Acids Impact on Recovery Post-esophagectomy Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Trial'. Annals of Surgery, 266 :720-728 [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2017) | 'Body composition by computed tomography as a predictor of toxicity in patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with Sunitinib'
Cushen S, Power DG, Teo M, Maceneaney P, Maher M, McDermot R, O'Sullivan K, Ryan AM (2017) 'Body composition by computed tomography as a predictor of toxicity in patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with Sunitinib'. American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 40 (1):47-52 [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2017) | 'The impact of body composition parameters on ipilimumab toxicity and survival in patients with metastatic melanoma'
Daly, LE;Power, DG;O'Reilly, A;Donnellan, P;Cushen, SJ;O'Sullivan, K;Twomey, M;Woodlock, DP;Redmond, HP;Ryan, AM (2017) 'The impact of body composition parameters on ipilimumab toxicity and survival in patients with metastatic melanoma'. British Journal of Cancer, 116 :310-317 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2016) | 'Sarcopenia and cachexia in the era of obesity: clinical and nutritional impact'
Prado CM;Cushen SJ;Orsso CE;Ryan AM; (2016) 'Sarcopenia and cachexia in the era of obesity: clinical and nutritional impact'. The Proceedings of The Nutrition Society, 75 (2) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2016) | 'Cancer-associated malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia: the skeleton in the hospital closet 40 years later'
Ryan AM;Power DG;Daly L;Cushen SJ;Ní Bhuachalla E;Prado CM; (2016) 'Cancer-associated malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia: the skeleton in the hospital closet 40 years later'. The Proceedings of The Nutrition Society, 75 (2) [DOI] [Full Text] [Details] |
|
| (2016) | 'Impact of body composition parameters on clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel'
Cushen, SJ;Power, DG;Murphy, KP;McDermott, R;Griffin, BT;Lim, M;Daly, L;MacEneaney, P;Sullivan, KO;Prado, CM;Ryan, AM (2016) 'Impact of body composition parameters on clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel'. Clinical Nutrition Espen, 13 :39-45 [DOI] [Details] |
|
| (2015) | 'The role of inflammatory biomarkers in the assessment of nutritional status and disease states'
Ryan AM, Cushen S, Ni Bhuachalla E, Dwyer F, Power DG (2015) 'The role of inflammatory biomarkers in the assessment of nutritional status and disease states'. Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 30 (1):3-15 [Details] |
|
| (2015) | 'Nutrition Assessment in Oncology'
Cushen SJ, Power DG, Ryan AM (2015) 'Nutrition Assessment in Oncology'. Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 30 (1):103-119 [Details] |
|
| (2015) | 'Poor Awareness of Risk Factors for Cancer in Irish Adults: Results of a Large Survey and Review of the Literature'
Ryan, AM;Cushen, S;Schellekens, H;Bhuachalla, EN;Burns, L;Kenny, U;Power, DG (2015) 'Poor Awareness of Risk Factors for Cancer in Irish Adults: Results of a Large Survey and Review of the Literature'. The Oncologist, 20 :372-378 [DOI] [Details] |
Other Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | 'Navigating Menopause After Cancer: Unique Nutritional Challenges for Female Survivors'
Cushen SJ & Johnston KE (2024) 'Navigating Menopause After Cancer: Unique Nutritional Challenges for Female Survivors' Cancer Professional, . [Details] |
|
| (2018) | 'Nutritional decline in cancer: impact on quality of life, tolerance to treatment and survival & an Irish context'
Ryan AM, Daly LE, Sullivan E, Cushen SJ, Power DG (2018) 'Nutritional decline in cancer: impact on quality of life, tolerance to treatment and survival & an Irish context' Cancer Professional, . [Details] |
|
| (2012) | 'Reducing the risk of cancer through weight loss, diet and exercise'
Ryan AM & Cushen S (2012) 'Reducing the risk of cancer through weight loss, diet and exercise' Cancer Professional, . [Details] |
|
| (2012) | 'The link between metabolic syndrome and post menopausal breast cancer'
Cushen S & Ryan AM (2012) 'The link between metabolic syndrome and post menopausal breast cancer' Cancer Professional, . [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | Clinical Nutrition ESPEN
C Scannell, ES Sullivan, D Power, S Cushen, R Dolan, J McGovern, M Fallon, B Laird, A Ryan (2024) The association between glim-diagnosed malnutrition and survival: Findings from a large cohort of palliative cancer patients Clinical Nutrition ESPEN [Details] |
|
| (2024) | San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Johnston KE, OConnell K, Flynn N, McSharry V, Raigal-Aran L, Ryan AM, Palmer B, Dahly D, Hegarty J, Cushen SJ*, Connolly RM (2024) Impact of a dietitian and nurse-led survivorship clinic utilizing ePRO collection on body composition and muscle strength in early-stage breast cancer: Results from the Linking You to Support and Advice (LYSA) Randomized Control Trial San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium [Details] |
|
| (2024) | American Society of Clinical Oncology
O'Connell K, Aran Raigal L, Johnston KE, Cushen S, Flynn NM, O'Reilly S, Collins DC, Noonan S, Cleary V, Kearns N, Medved K, Davis A, Byrne F, Dahly DL, Palmer BA, Murphy A, McInerney VB, Lowery AJ, Hegarty J, Connolly RM. (2024) Evaluation of a complex survivorship intervention incorporating electronic patient-reported outcomes in early stage breast and gynecologic cancer: Results from the Linking You to Support and Advice (LYSA) randomized controlled trial American Society of Clinical Oncology [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Clinical Nutrition ESPEN
KE Johnston, V McSharry, A Davis, K Bermingham, F Byrne, L Raigal-Aran, K O'Connell, N Flynn, B Palmer, D Dahly, A Lowery, A Ryan, J Hegarty, RM Connolly, SJ Cushen (2024) Examining the feasibility of a dietetic intervention on body composition in irish breast and gynaecological cancer survivors: The LYSA trial Clinical Nutrition ESPEN [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Clinical Nutrition ESPEN
KE Johnston, SJ Cushen, A Davis, K Bermingham, A O'Grady, F Byrne, K O'Connell, N Flynn, L Raigal-Aran, D Dahly, B Palmer, J Hegarty, RM Connolly (2023) DEVELOPING THE USE OF ELECTRONIC PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMES TO IMPLEMENT DIETETIC INTERVENTION FOR A PILOT SURVIVORSHIP CLINIC FOR WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST AND GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER IN IRELAND: THE WOMENS HEALTH INITIATIVE LYSA STUDY Clinical Nutrition ESPEN [Details] |
|
| (2020) | The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
Samantha J Cushen, Erin Stella Sullivan, Tracey Kelly, Louise E Daly, Éadaoin B Ní Bhuachalla, Ken Howick, Harriët Schellekens, John F Cryan, Brendan T Griffin, Darren Dahly, Aoife M Ryan (2020) A phase 1, single-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-arm cross-over trial assessing the appetite enhancing effects of potentially ghrelinergic dairy-derived peptides The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society [Details] |
Published Reports
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2023) | Guidance Document on Safely Restricting Protein in adults with chronic kidney disease.
Samantha Cushen, Pauline Connolly, Irene Cronin, Laura Dillon, Jennifer ONeill, Oonagh Smith, Rebecca Stanley. (2023) Guidance Document on Safely Restricting Protein in adults with chronic kidney disease. Renal interest Group, Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, Dublin. [Details] |
|
| (2018) | A Concise Overview of the European Dietetic Action Plan; A Commitment by the European Federation of Association of Dietitians to Take Actions that will Improve Health for All Through Sustainable Food and Nutrition.
Van Ginkel-Res, A., S. J. Cushen, J. Liddell, and A. de Looy (2018) A Concise Overview of the European Dietetic Action Plan; A Commitment by the European Federation of Association of Dietitians to Take Actions that will Improve Health for All Through Sustainable Food and Nutrition. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM, Switzerland. [Details] |
Articles
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | The Forgotten Patients: Why Does the Supportive Care Stop?.
Johnston K & Cushen SJ (2025) The Forgotten Patients: Why Does the Supportive Care Stop?. Articles [Details] |
|
| (2023) | The Womens Health Initiative LYSA (Linking You with Advice and Supports) Trial: A Dietetic Intervention Component in Supporting and Innovating for Change.
Johnston K, Ryan A & Cushen SJ (2023) The Womens Health Initiative LYSA (Linking You with Advice and Supports) Trial: A Dietetic Intervention Component in Supporting and Innovating for Change. Articles [Details] |
|
| (2023) | The Role of The Dietitian in The Survivorship Stage of the Cancer Care Pathway: Novel or Necessary?.
Johnston K, Ryan A & Cushen SJ (2023) The Role of The Dietitian in The Survivorship Stage of the Cancer Care Pathway: Novel or Necessary?. Articles [Details] |
|
| (2019) | Are dietitians making a difference? A concise overview of the European Dietetic Action Plan.
Samantha Cushen (2019) Are dietitians making a difference? A concise overview of the European Dietetic Action Plan. Articles [Details] |
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Oral presentation award | Irish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition | |
| 2015 | Travel Bursary in Medical Oncology | Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO) | |
| 2015 | Oral presentation award | The Nutrition Society | |
| 2014 | Travel Bursary | The Nutrition Society | |
| 2014 | Travel Bursary in Medical Oncology | Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO) | |
| 2014 | Travel Bursary Award | European Society Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) | |
| 2014 | Best Proffered Oral Presentation Award | Irish Cancer Society | |
| 2014 | Best Poster Award | 9th International Cancer Conference | |
| 2013 | Oral presentation award | Irish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition | |
| 2013 | Travel Bursary Award | European Society Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN) | |
| 2013 | Research Poster Award | Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) | |
| 2012 | Malnutrition Bursary Award | Irish Nutrition & Dietetic Institute (INDI) | |
| 2006 | Final year thesis scholarship | Karloinska Institute Sweden & Dublin Institute of Technology |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORU | Registered Dietitian no. DI 020091 | 31-OCT-14 / | |
| European Association for Cancer Research | Member | 02-MAR-24 / | |
| The Nutrition Society | Member | / | |
| Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute | Member (number 1130) | 01-MAY-06 / | |
| The European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) | Project Manager | 01-SEP-17 / 31-JAN-19 |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2025) | European Congress on Menopause and Andropause,
Johnston K, Larkin S & Cushen SJ (2025) Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms: The Use of Dietary and Herbal Supplements in Irish Cancer Survivors Impacted by Menopause. [Poster Presentation], European Congress on Menopause and Andropause, Spain . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium,
ODriscoll L , Twomey C , Cushen SJ (2025) HAS THE INTRODUCTION OF INDIRECT CALORIMETRY CHANGED HOW WE FEED CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS LIVING WITH OBESITY ?. [Poster Presentation], Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | IrSPEN Conference,
Johnston KE, OConnell K, McSharry V, Ryan AM, Hegarty J, Connolly R, Cushen SJ (2025) Exploring Dietary and Herbal Supplement Use in Early-Stage Breast and Gynaecologic Cancer Survivors. [Poster Presentation], IrSPEN Conference, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium,
Johnston K, Larkin S & Cushen SJ (2025) The Use of Dietary Supplements to Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms in Female Cancer Survivors. [Poster Presentation], Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium,
Johnston KE, OConnell K, Raigal-Aran L, Ryan AM, Dahly D, Hegarty J, Connolly RM, Cushen SJ (2025) : A Dietitian-Led Medical Oncology Outpatient Clinic for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Survivors Focused on Weight Gain Concern and Body Composition: Results from the Linking You to Support and Advice LYSA Randomised Control Trial. [Poster Presentation], Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institutes Research Symposium,
Johnston KE, McSharry V, Ryan AM, Sagheer A, Warner N, Cushen SJ (2025) Addressing Nutritional Gaps for Women Affected by Cancer: The Menopause, Diet and Cancer Webinar Series. [Poster Presentation], Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institutes Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2025) | Novartis , Rooted in Care,
Cushen SJ (2025) Understanding and Managing Weight Gain in Breast Cancer Survivors: Evidence-Based Insights. [Invited Oral Presentation], Novartis , Rooted in Care, Athlone . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR),
Johnston K, Murphy M, Cushen SJ (2024) Designing Nutrition Resources for Women Affected by Menopause Post-Cancer Treatment: Insights from What Women Want Focus Groups. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR), Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR),
Johnston KE, Corkery S, Cahill A, Medved K, Cusack A-M, Raigal-Aran L, Bambury RM^, Noonan B^, Cushen SJ, Gleeson JP (2024) Body Composition in Irish Men with Metastatic Genitourinary Cancer: Results from the Pilot Component of the LIAM Mc Trial. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR), Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium,
Johnston KE, Noonan B, Gleeson JP, Cushen SJ (2024) Body Composition and Diet Quality in Irish Males Impacted by Metastatic Genitourinary Cancer: Results from LIAM Mc Trial Pilot. . [Poster Presentation], Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Futures CoMH Conference @ UCC,
Johnston KE, Corkery S, Cahill A, Raigal-Aran L, Noonan B, Cushen SJ, Gleeson JP (2024) Body Composition in Males Impacted by Metastatic Genitourinary Cancer: Results from the Pilot Component of the LIAM Mc Trial. [Poster Presentation], Futures CoMH Conference @ UCC, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Future CoMH Conference @ UCC,
OConnell K, Johnston KE*, Flynn N, Raigal-Aran L, Cushen SJ, Medved K, Dahly D, Palmer B, Hegarty J, Connolly RM (2024) The Practice Changing Linking You to Support and Advice [LYSA] Randomised Control Trial: A Patient-Guided Multidisciplinary Survivorship Trial. [Poster Presentation], Future CoMH Conference @ UCC, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Futures CoMH Conference @ UCC,
Johnston KE, OConnell K, Raigal-Aran L, Ryan AM, Palmer B, Dahly D, Hegarty J, Cushen SJ, Connolly RM (2024) Exploring the Impact of a Dietetic Intervention on Body Composition in Breast and Gynaecologic Cancer Survivors: Results from the Linking You to Support and Advice [ LYSA] Randomised Control Trial. [Poster Presentation], Futures CoMH Conference @ UCC, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2024) | Novartis, Rooted in Care,
Cushen SJ (2024) Beyond Treatment: Nutrition Guidance for Menopausal Female Cancer Survivors. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Novartis, Rooted in Care, Athlone . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Clinical Nutrition ESPEN,
Murphy M, Johnston KE, Cushen SJ (2023) WHAT WOMEN WANT: FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS TO INFORM THE DESIGN OF NUTRITION RESOURCES FOR WOMEN IMPACTED BY MENOPAUSE FOLLOWING CANCER TREATMENT.. [Poster Presentation], Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, France . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium,
Johnston K, Flynn N, OConnell K, Ryan AM, Cushen S (2023) Developing an Evidenced-Based Nutritional Resource, for Symptom Management, in Menopausal Female Cancer Survivors. [Poster Presentation], Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2023) | Amgen Annual National Oncology Nurses Meeting ,
Cushen SJ (2023) Understanding the Role of Diet, Nutrition and Body Composition in Cancer Survivorship . [Invited Oral Presentation], Amgen Annual National Oncology Nurses Meeting , Kildare . [Details] |
|
| (2022) | CoMH Research Conference From Molecules to People,
Cushen S, Davis A, Bermingham K, Byrne F, OGrady A, ONeill D, OConnell K, Raigal-Aran L, Kearns N, OReilly S, Corrigan M, Coulter J, Collins D, Cleary V ,Flavin A, Murphy A, Dahly D, Palmer B, Connolly RM, Hegarty J (2022) The LYSA (Linking You to Support and Advice) Trial-The Dietetic Intervention Component for a Women. [Poster Presentation], CoMH Research Conference From Molecules to People, UCC . [Details] |
|
| (2017) | Astellas Nurses Education meeting,
Cushen SJ (2017) Nutrition and Prostate Cancer: an updated review. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Astellas Nurses Education meeting, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2016) | Irish Association for Cancer Research,
Daly L, Cushen S, Ni Bhuachalla E, OReilly S, Dwyer F, McEneaney P, OSuilleabhain CB, Power DG, Ryan AM. (2016) Sarcopenia, Myosteatosis & weight loss: Negative prognostic indicators in patients with foregut cancers. [Poster Presentation], Irish Association for Cancer Research, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2016) | INDI Research Symposium,
Power D, Daly L, O'Reilly A, Cushen S, Donnellan P, Twomey M, Woodlock D, Ryan A. (2016) The impact of body composition parameters on ipilimumab toxicity in metastatic melanoma; the prevalence of sarcopenia increases during treatment. [Poster Presentation], INDI Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2016) | INDI Research Symposium,
Ní Bhuachalla E, Daly L, Cushen S, Power D, McEneaney P, Ryan A (2016) Malnutrition in 746 Irish cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: Prevalence, identification and impact on patient survival. [Poster Presentation], INDI Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2016) | INDI Research Symposium,
Daly L, Cushen S, Ni Bhuachalla E, OReilly S, Dwyer F, McEneaney P, OSuilleabhain CB, Power DG, Ryan AM. (2016) Sarcopenia, Myosteatosis & weight loss: Negative prognostic indicators in patients with foregut cancers. [Poster Presentation], INDI Research Symposium, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | The Nutrition Society Summer Meeting,
Cushen SJ, Power DG, McDermott R, OSullivan K, McEneaney P, Daly L, Ryan AM. (2015) Body composition as a predictor of chemotherapy toxicity in patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated with docetaxel. [Poster Presentation], The Nutrition Society Summer Meeting, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO),
Cushen SJ, Power DG, Murphy KP, McDermott R, Lim M, Griffin BT, Daly L, McEneaney P OSullivan K, Ryan AM. (2015) Body composition as a predictor of chemotherapy toxicity in patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated with docetaxel. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO), Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO),
Cushen SJ, Power DG , McEneaney P , Ni Bhuachalla E, Daly L, Ryan AM. (2015) A prospective investigation of nutritional status in 432 Irish cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: prevalence of malnutrition, cachexia, sarcopenia and impact on quality of life. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO), Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Irish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IrSPEN) annual scientific meeting,
Cushen SJ, Power DG, McEneaney P, Bhuachalla E, Daly L, Ryan AM (2015) A prospective investigation of nutritional status in 517 Irish cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: prevalence of malnutrition, cachexia, sarcopenia and impact on quality of life. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IrSPEN) annual scientific meeting, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Nutrition Society Summer meeting,
Cushen SJ, Power DG , McEneaney P, Daly L, Ryan AM (2015) A prospective investigation of 517 Irish Oncology outpatients: prevalence of malnutrition, cachexia, sarcopenia and impact on quality of life. [Oral Presentation], Nutrition Society Summer meeting, Cork . [Details] |
|
| (2015) | Irish Geriatric Oncology Meeting,
Cushen SJ (2015) Understanding Nutritional Issues in the Older Person with Cancer. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Irish Geriatric Oncology Meeting, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2014) | Pancreatic Society of Great Britian and Ireland,
Cushen SJ (2014) Assessment of Lean Body Mass in Oncology Using CT Scans. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Pancreatic Society of Great Britian and Ireland, London . [Details] |
|
| (2014) | Irish Cancer Society Annual Scientific Meeting,
Cushen SJ, Power DG , McEneaney P, Daly L, Ryan AM. (2014) Prevalence of malnutrition, cachexia and sarcopenia in oncology; our experience in 432 Irish cancer outpatients undergoing chemotherapy. [Oral Presentation], Irish Cancer Society Annual Scientific Meeting, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2014) | Nutricia dietetic meeting, Advances in Nutrition - Moving Forward in a Changing Environment,
Cushen SJ (2014) Assessment of Lean Body Mass in Oncology Using CT Scans. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Nutricia dietetic meeting, Advances in Nutrition - Moving Forward in a Changing Environment, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2014) | European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN),
Cushen SJ, Power DG, McDermot R, OSullivan K, Maceneaney P, Daly L, Ryan AM. (2014) Body composition by computed tomography as a predictor of toxicity to docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. [Oral Presentation], European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN), Geneva, Switzerland . [Details] |
|
| (2014) | Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO),
Cushen SJ, Power DG, Teo MY, Mceneaney P, McDermott R, Ryan AM (2014) Effect of sarcopenia on toxicity in patients treated with sunitinib. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Medical Oncology (ISMO), Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2014) | Nutrition Society Winter Meeting,
Cushen SJ, Power DG, McDermott R, OSullivan K, McEneaney P, Daly L, Ryan AM (2014) Body composition as a predictor of chemotherapy toxicity in patients with metastatic prostate cancer treated with docetaxel. [Oral Presentation], Nutrition Society Winter Meeting, London . [Details] |
|
| (2013) | European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN),
Cushen SJ, Power DG, Teo MY, Mceneaney P, McDermott R, Ryan AM (2013) Body composition as a predictor of dose limiting chemotherapy toxicity in patients with renal cell carcinoma. [Oral Presentation], European Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ESPEN), Leipzig, Germany . [Details] |
|
| (2013) | Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology (IANO) annual meeting,
Cushen SJ (2013) Nutritional management following a cancer diagnosis; new findings and future directions. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Irish Association for Nurses in Oncology (IANO) annual meeting, Kilkenny . [Details] |
|
| (2013) | Irish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IrSPEN),
Cushen SJ, Power DG, Teo MY, Mceneaney P, McDermott R, Ryan AM (2013) Body composition by computed tomography scan as a predictor of chemotherapy toxicity in patients with renal cell carcinoma. [Oral Presentation], Irish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (IrSPEN), Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2013) | Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI) meeting,
Cushen SJ (2013) Making a meal of Health. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Catering Management Association of Ireland (CMAI) meeting, Dublin . [Details] |
|
| (2012) | Irish Cancer Society conference,
Cushen SJ (2012) Supporting people with bowel cancer. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Irish Cancer Society conference, Dublin . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Social Research Ethics Committee (SREC) | Reviewer | 2023 / | |
| UCCs Womens Health, Research and Innovation Group. | Member | 2024 / | |
| Graduate Studies Committee | Member | 2021 / | |
| School Research Committee | Member | 2021 / | |
| Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Cork Teaching Hospitals (CREC) | Reviewer | / |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University College Dublin | Practice Tutor/ Special Lecturer | 01-MAR-16 / 13-OCT-17 | |
| University College Cork | Post Doctoral Researcher, Senior Dietitian | 01-MAR-15 / 01-MAR-17 | |
| University College Cork | Post Graduate Researcher in Nutritional Sciences, PhD candidate | 01-JAN-12 / 01-MAR-15 | |
| Childrens University Hospital, Dublin | Senior Paediatric Dietitian | 01-MAY-11 / 01-JAN-12 | |
| Kings College Hospital, London | Catering Dietitian Manager | 01-JAN-10 / 01-JAN-11 | |
| Beacon Renal Unit, Beacon Hospital, Dublin | Senior Renal Dietitian | 01-DEC-10 / 01-JAN-12 | |
| The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Senior Dietitian | 01-NOV-08 / 01-SEP-09 | |
| The Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin | Dietitian | 01-JUN-07 / 01-AUG-08 | |
| Peamount Hospital, Newcastle, Dublin | Dietitian | 01-MAR-07 / 01-JUN-07 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | University College Cork | PG Cert | Allergy and Clinical Immunology | |
| 2019 | University College Cork | PG Cert | Teaching and Learning in Higher Education | |
| 2015 | University College Cork | PhD | Nutrition | |
| 2006 | Trinity College Dublin | BSc | Human Nutrition & Dietetics | |
| 2006 | Dublin Institute of Technology | Diploma | Human Nutrition and Dietetics |
Outreach Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Irish Cancer Society 5 Part Webinar Series, Menopause, Diet, and Cancer |
|
Speaker on nutritional issues for Breakthrough Cancer Research since 2017 |
|
'Menopause Eve' expert talks from science, nutrition & exercise, Cork City Council Event, Invited Speaker on Menopause Nutrition, 2024 |
|
Podcast- Survivors Guide to Menopause & Cancer (with Karen Kruger), Interview on Nutrition and Menopause after Cancer,2025 |
|
On International Women's Day: Focus on what unites us, Echo Live (March, 2024) |
|
Cancer Research@ UCC Centre Showcase, 2024 |
|
Stay Well: What are the facts about meat and cancer risk? Irish Independent (December 2024) |
|
Irish Cancer Society Monthly Live Webinars, Provide Advice to Service Users on Nutrition and Cancer, since 2024-ongoing |
|
National Menopause Summit, Invited Speaker on the topic of Nutrition and Menopause, 2023 & 2024 |
|
UCC Student Dietitian Podcast |
|
Speaker on nutritional issues for Cork ARC Cancer Support House house |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal Of Cachexia, Sarcopenia And Muscle | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Nursing Research And Practice | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Cancers | Guest Editor | 01-MAY-25 - | |
| Clinical Nutrition Espen | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Cancers | Peer Reviewer | 06-FEB-22 - | |
| Nutrients | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Journal Of Human Nutrition And Dietetics : The Official Journal Of The British Dietetic Association | Peer Reviewer | - | |
| Journal Of Urology | Peer Reviewer | - |
Teaching Interests
MSc Human Nutrition & Dietetics
DT6002 Nutritional Assessment in the Clinical Setting
DT6014 Dietetics Through the Lifecycle
DT6006 Professional Practice and Interpersonal Skills
DT6007 Public Health Nutrition
DT6013 Research Dissertation in Dietetics
DT6009 Clinical Practice Placement 1
DT6011 Clinical Practice Placement 2
DT6012 Clinical Practice Placement 3
DT6003 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
DT6004 Food Skills and Food Service Management
BSc Nutritional Sciences & PG Dip Nutritional Sciences
NT3001 Clinical Nutrition
NT3002 Food Toxicology
NT3014 Assessment of Nutritional Status
NT4006 Research Project
NU2032 Food, Nutrition & Health for Nursing Practice
DT6002 Nutritional Assessment in the Clinical Setting
DT6014 Dietetics Through the Lifecycle
DT6006 Professional Practice and Interpersonal Skills
DT6007 Public Health Nutrition
DT6013 Research Dissertation in Dietetics
DT6009 Clinical Practice Placement 1
DT6011 Clinical Practice Placement 2
DT6012 Clinical Practice Placement 3
DT6003 Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy
DT6004 Food Skills and Food Service Management
BSc Nutritional Sciences & PG Dip Nutritional Sciences
NT3001 Clinical Nutrition
NT3002 Food Toxicology
NT3014 Assessment of Nutritional Status
NT4006 Research Project
NU2032 Food, Nutrition & Health for Nursing Practice
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Anna O Driscoll | University College Cork | Msc | Post prandial hypoglycaemia following oesophagogastric cancer surgery | |
| 2026 | Katie Johnston | University College Cork | PHD |
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Roisin Connolly | College of Medicine and Health/ Cancer Research @ UCC | IRELAND | |
| Professor Josephine Hegarty | College of Medicine and Health/ Cancer Research @ UCC | IRELAND | |
| Professor Jack Gleeson | College of Medicine and Health/ Cancer Research @ UCC | IRELAND | |
| Dr. Aoife Ryan | School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork | IRELAND |