Effect of nutritional status on the presence of malnutrition and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer

Aim: Cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract are common worldwide, and cancers of the stomach and pancreas have a poor prognosis. Supporting nutritional status before, during and after cancer treatment improves the effectiveness of treatment and quality of life. Malnutrition is seen in cancer patients due to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chewing or swallowing problems, taste and smell changes, therefore malnutrition should be evaluated in all cancer patients and appropriate nutritional support should be initiated. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of nutritional status on malnutrition and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal system cancer. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study included 60 patients who received gastrointestinal system treatment and met the inclusion criteria. The Quality of Life Test (EORTC QLQ-C30) and NRS-2002 were administered to the patients by the investigator using a face-to-face method. Socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements and biochemical findings were obtained from patient files with hospital permission. Results: In the study, most of the patients were at risk of malnutrition; however, no significant correlation was found between NRS 2002 and quality of life and cancer stages. There was an inverse relationship between albumin levels and malnutrition risk (p<0.05). Discussion: Cancer patients are at risk of malnutrition due to the heavy treatment brought by the disease, therefore, malnutrition risks should be determined in the early period, appropriate nutritional support should be provided and their quality of life should be improved.