Analysis of Nutritional status of Cancer patients on Chemotherapy

Abstract

Patients are imposed on nutritional risk due to cancer itself as well as due to its treatment also. It has been found through many researches that nutritional assessment at initial stages of treatment may prevent many complications during & post treatment. Therefore, the present study was planned to find out and analyze nutritional status of patients who were undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the out patients of oncology department who were undergoing chemotherapy among 50 subjects between 19- 59 years of age. Duration of the study was of 3 months. Nutritional status of the patients was assessed using Subjective global assessment (SGA) tool that was based on anthropometry, biochemical reports, clinical examination and dietary intake of patients. Results: The results showed that 70% patients were at risk of malnutrition while 10% patients were malnourished. Majority of patients in this category were suffering from head and neck cancer. In total, most cancer cases were of head & neck cancer followed by breast cancer and liver cancer. During chemotherapy, majority of patients showed BMI < 18.5 Kg/M2. Most of the patients suffered from loss of appetite, oral ulcers, weakness that led to decreased food intake. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that cancer and treatment of cancer both put patients at nutritional risk by causing increased nutritional needs and decreased food intake. It can be prevented or treated by early detection of nutritional status, so that timely decision can be taken for right nutritional intervention for them.