Impact of Cancer on Nutrition in the Geriatric Cancer Population

Abstract

Malnutrition in geriatric cancer patients is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. A nutrition risk assessment should be done early to identify and treat those at risk for cancer-related malnutrition. The goal of this study was to assess nutritional status in geriatric patients diagnosed with all cause cancer. We conducted a single institutional prospective cohort study of geriatric patients with cancer from 2013-2018. Patients 65 years old and above had undergone a comprehensive geriatric assessment before starting treatment (day 0), post-treatment (day 30), and post-post treatment (day 90). Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were used to assess nutrition status. Results showed an increase in nutrition status from pretreatment (day = 0) to treatment (day =30), followed by a decrease in MNA scores at day 90. Results showed a decrease in BMI across all time points. This study supports that cancer and anti-cancer therapy in geriatric patients cause malnutrition, indicating the importance of early nutritional evaluation and intervention.

Keywords: cancer; geriatric population; nutrition.