Malnutrition is an important supportive care need for people with cancer. The Patient Generated–Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) is a validated tool to determine malnutrition in cancer patients. The PG-SGA includes 14 patient-reported Nutrition Impact Symptoms (NIS). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and NIS’s in cancer patients.
A point prevalence study of adult cancer patients, using the PG-SGA to determine malnutrition and NIS, was conducted in 15 Health Services in Victoria, Australia in March 2012.
A total of 1693 cancer patients were included with 31% (n=523) identified with malnutrition. Malnourished patients reported more NIS than well-nourished patients (3.8 vs 1.2, p<0.001). Only 8% of malnourished patients reported ‘no problems eating’ compared to 59% of those well nourished. The most reported NIS by malnourished patients were ‘no appetite’ (63%), ‘fatigue’ (49%), ‘nausea’ (41%) and ‘feel full quickly’ (41%). Patients undergoing treatments for upper gastrointestinal, colorectal and gynaecological tumours reported the highest number of NIS. Inpatients receiving supportive care only (n=51) reported the highest number of NIS with ‘no appetite’, ‘nausea’, ‘vomiting’ and ‘pain’ the most frequently described.
Malnutrition is highly prevalent in cancer patients and NIS are more commonly reported in those with malnutrition. This study provides valuable insight that can assist to optimise symptom management and direct nutrition interventions in cancer patients.
This project was funded by Victorian Government Department of Health through special project grants to each participating site.