Malnutrition risk in older adults with cancer: A prospective cross-sectional study in one setting

Abstract

Background: This descriptive and cross-sectional study evaluated the nutrition status of geriatric patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Data were collected by researchers in the Medical Oncology Unit of a university hospital between January and September 2024 to assess the nutrition status of 100 geriatric patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Malnutrition risk was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Results: The mean +/- SD age of the study participants was 72.03 +/- 5.40 years. The study found that 21% of the patients were undergoing treatment for colon cancer, 20% for lung cancer, and 16% for pancreatic cancer. Most patients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with 28% at stage III and 65% at stage IV. The nutrition risk assessment of the patients found that 34% had a normal MNA score (24-30 points), 30% were at risk of malnutrition (17-23.5 points), and 36% were malnourished (<17 points). The following symptoms affecting nutrition were observed: nausea and vomiting (39%), taste changes (24%), weakness and fatigue (73%), pain (5%), and weight loss (27%). The most commonly used type of chemotherapy was FOLFOX (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, 18%). Conclusion: Malnutrition was very common in geriatric patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly dietitians and nutritionists, to diagnose and manage malnutrition risk early and effectively.