Comparative Analysis of Nutritional status of Cancer Patients on Radiation therapy - Day Care

Abstract

Background: A multifactorial origin can be attributed to the multicellular disease named Cancer. The most prominent treatment for this disease is known as radiation therapy that destroys cancer cells. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the out patients of Day care department who were undergoing radiation among 30 subjects between 30 - 80 years of age. Subjective global assessment (SGA) method was used to assess nutritional status of patients that was based on anthropometry, biochemical reports, clinical examination and dietary intake of patients.Results: The results showed that seven patients were at risk of malnutrition while seven patients were malnourished. Majority of patients in this category were suffering from oral, oesophagus and lung cancer. Majority of cases were of oral and breast cancer followed by oesophagus and lung cancer. During radiation therapy, majority of patients showed BMI between 18.5 - 22.9 Kg/M2. Majority of patients suffered from loss of appetite, oral ulcers, weakness, mucositis, xerostomia and constipation that led to decreased food intake. Normal nutritional status was found in 50% of patients while 16.6% patients showed state of severe malnutrition.