The treatment of malnutrition in cancer patients might lead to improved results

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Cancer can disrupt the body's metabolic balance, leading to changes in nutritional needs and appetite. Consequently, weight loss may occur due to the cancer itself or the side effects of treatments. These alterations, among others, can result in malnutrition, significantly impacting your quality of life, prolonging hospital stays, elevating the risk of cancer recurrence, and reducing your ability to tolerate and respond to cancer therapies.

A recent study published in the British medical journal in 2023 demonstrated a strong correlation between severe malnutrition in cancer patients and unfavorable outcomes, including an increased risk of premature death. This research, involving nearly 6,000 adult colorectal and gastric cancer patients from 75 countries, reinforced earlier findings.

Although further research is required to fully understand the intricacies of malnutrition, weight loss, and their impact on cancer outcomes, a study published in 2015 shed some light on this matter. The study revealed that cancer patients who maintained a Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above 28, falling within the healthy weight range, survived almost five times longer compared to those who experienced a 15 percent loss in body weight and had a BMI of 22 or less.

Causes of Malnutrition: Understanding the factors that contribute to malnutrition in cancer patients, such as reduced appetite, treatment side effects, or tumor-related metabolic changes. Impact on Treatment: Examining how malnutrition can affect the effectiveness of cancer treatments and overall health outcomes.

The treatment of malnutrition in cancer patients might lead to improved results

Does malnutrition have a higher prevalence in specific types of cancer?

Research findings indicate that cancer cachexia, characterized by body weight loss, muscle mass reduction, and weakness, potentially linked to malnutrition, occurs in the following percentages among various cancers:

  • 80 percent of individuals with stomach, pancreatic, or esophageal cancer
  • 70 percent of people with head and neck cancers
  • 60 percent of people with lung cancer or colorectal cancers

Unraveling the complex relationship between cancer and malnutrition poses challenges, further complicated by the potential impact of cancer treatments. Surgical procedures may deplete the body of energy and nutrients, while chemotherapy or radiation treatments can induce vomiting, nausea, reduced appetite, taste alterations, mouth sores, dry mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Additionally, the psychological stress associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment may also diminish the desire to eat.

Interestingly, even if a person appears to consume adequate calories or food, cancer itself may interfere with the body's ability to absorb sufficient protein, carbohydrates, and fat necessary to preserve muscle mass. This is due to changes in nutrient absorption and the energy-sapping effects of cancer. Moreover, individuals who seem overweight or obese may, in reality, be malnourished due to the metabolic changes triggered by cancer or its treatments.

It's essential for cancer patients to receive adequate nutrition and supportive care throughout their treatment journey to enhance their ability to tolerate treatment, maintain strength, and improve overall quality of life.

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