Oncology

Cancer is a complex disease with patients becoming at high risk of malnutrition both as a consequence of their illness and its treatment. Over 50% of cancer patients present with weight loss at diagnosis and, for many patients, nutritional status continues to deteriorate during and after treatment. Cancer related malnutrition is driven by a combined effect of reduced nutritional intake and metabolic changes. These factors contribute to negative energy and protein balance leading to weight and muscle mass loss. Poor nutritional status in addition to weight and muscle mass loss can lead to poorer outcomes for the patient. Clinically this impacts not only the patient but also the healthcare setting in a number of ways. Learn more below about the how best to support patients with cancer achieve better nutritional intake.