The importance of nutritionist in supportive and palliative care for cancer patients

Introduction: Cancer is a complex and diverse disease, with a projected increase in new cases. The role of nutritional support in palliative care for cancer patients is a controversial topic, with limited collaboration among healthcare professionals. Palliative care, established ۵۰ years ago in the UK, includes patients with advanced and incurable conditions Malnutrition is a significant factor in patient mortality, and a large percentage of patients in palliative care are at nutritional risk or malnourished. Guidelines emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for cancer survivors, but nutrition is often overlooked in palliative care. Nutritional support is recommended before and after surgery and in palliative treatment, but knowledge in this area is limited Nutrition plays a vital role in physical, psychological, spiritual, social, and cultural wellbeing, and nutritional supplements may be beneficial.Materials and Methods: The study analyzed studies conducted between ۲۰۰۸ and ۲۰۲۳ using electronic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on research studies of any design and English written papersResults: Dietary counselling improves energy and protein intake, and quality of life, and reduces radiotherapy toxicity complications in advanced cancer patients. Weight loss in these patients is linked to reduced survival. Palliative care improves quality of life and stabilizes body weight. Nutritional intervention is crucial for treatment, as it improves nutrition parameters, body composition, symptoms, and overall quality of life. Muscle mass loss is linked to poor chemotherapy tolerance, postoperative complications, and deterioration of quality of life.Conclusions: Muscle gain is associated with successful cancer therapy. It is also recognized that there may be differences in the nutritional approach to patients with different types of cancers. All patients with advanced cancer should have regular nutritional assessments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cancer ، Nutrition ، Supportive care ، Palliative care