Dietetic assessment of ambulatory cancer patients: with special attention to problems of patients suffering from head-neck cancers undergoing radiation thrapy

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Cancer; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(197905)43:5+<2077::AID-CNCR2820430716>3.0.CO;2-P· OSTI ID:5795023

Dwyer, J T

The prime objective of nutritional surveillance of cancer patients is to set up screening criteria for those who are likely to be at risk of nutrition problems and to further assess those so identified. Interventions to improve nutritional status or comfort are called for. The single most useful item with respect to screening is careful weight measurement at every visit. Subjective reports of appetite and food intake, 24-hour recalls of dietary intake, and therapy being undergone by the patient are also useful. Assessment involves obtaining the 24-hour recall data and in some cases keeping food records, and determining the patients' food likes and dislikes. Taken together, dietary, biochemical, clinical, anthropometric, and patient history data permit us to achieve greater certainty as to the problem. Usually energy intakes are problematic, but other nutrition difficlties may also be present. Intervention with respect to diet may involve therapeutic diets, special nutrition advice, or general advice. Food assistance, help with food managemnt, and general health education may also be necessary. Constant surveillance consisting of short encounters and follow-up are mandatory. Examples of these principles as they apply to head-neck cancers are presented.

• Research Organization: New England Medical Center Hospital, Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5795023
• Journal Information: Cancer; (United States), Journal Name: Cancer; (United States) Vol. 43:5; ISSN CANCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550603 -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Therapy-- (1980-)
560151* -- Radiation Effects on Animals-- Man
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANEMIAS
ANOREXIA
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY
BODY AREAS
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
DISEASES
EXTERNAL IRRADIATION
HEAD
HEMIC DISEASES
IRRADIATION
MEDICINE
NAUSEA
NECK
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ORAL CAVITY
PARTIAL BODY IRRADIATION
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOINDUCTION
RADIOLOGY
RADIOTHERAPY
SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS
TEETH
THERAPY
VOMITING