A Panel Discussion in Nutritional Management in Cancer Care

Abstract

Nutritional status plays an important role in cancer treatment. Several studies have strongly indicated that malnutrition has a negative impact on the efficacy of cancer treatment. Nutritional negligence or poor nutrition may impede the progress in cancer care, rendering them a harder time with the toxic side effects. It is well documented that there is a high prevalence of cancer-related malnutrition ranging from 25% to 70% from various studies, and cancer patients are the most malnourished of all other patient groups. Escalation of nutrients, effective counseling, and consistent monitoring as an adjuvant to cancer treatment, not only improve nutrition parameters, and body composition but also help in managing toxic effects, thus enhancing the quality of life and ultimately better survival. Keywords: Cancer nutrition, Onconutrition, Malnutrition