Authors : Palak Pathak & Rekha Sharma
Page Nos : 635- 646
Description :
The present study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status of colorectal cancer patients from Cancer and Research Department of Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune Maharashtra. About 50 hospitalized colorectal patients were randomly selected. The data on demographic profile, lifestyle, nutrient intake, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were collected using interview schedule. The results showed that about 56% patients had colon cancer whereas 30% and 14% had colorectal and rectum cancers respectively. About 54% and 46 % patients had third and second grade of cancer respectively. About 44% had undergone one to four chemotherapy cycles and 56 % had four to eight cycles. The mean age of patients was 50.20 + 10.40 years. Among the patients, 58 % were males and 42 % were females. The mean nutrient intake of patients (except fat in females) was found to be 45 to 88% as compared to recommended intake as suggested by ICMR. Except for C- reactive protein levels, hemoglobin, serum albumin and total proteins were very low in comparison with the reference value. The mean weight of the patients were found to be low as compared to NCHS however, the mean Body Mass Index (20.42 + 2.65 Kg/m2) was within normal limits. Occupation showed significant correlations coefficient with weight (p= 0.030), calcium, (p= 0.009), iron (p= 0.019) and antioxidant intake (p= 0.003). The significant correlation coefficient were also observed between alcohol consumption and serum albumin (p= 0.001); dietary habit and weight (p= 0.013) and BMI (p= 0.02); type of cancer and protein intake (p= 0.054) ; and period of diagnosis and iron intake (p= 0.023). It can be concluded that life style management and good dietary habits are crucial for management of colorectal cancers.
