ANNALS OF CLINICAL AND ANALYTICAL MEDICINE, no.1, pp.47-51, 2024 (ESCI)
Aim: This study was planned to examine the nutritional problems of patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal tract (GIS) cancer and to evaluate the effects of professional nutritional support on the outcome of their treatment.Material and Methods: This study was carried out with 24 (33.3% females, 66.7% males) volunteer participants aged 18 and above, who were diagnosed with GIS cancer and planned to have concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment (chemoradiotherapy=CRT). The participants were asked, questions on socio-demographic characteristics and nutritional habits, anthropometric measurements were taken, biochemical data were recorded, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scales were applied, and nutritional training deemed necessary were given to them. The participants were re-evaluated after three months and the data were compared with the initial findings.Results: There was no significant difference between the pre-and post-treatment Body Mass Index (BMI). A significant difference was found between the SGD and MNA values before and after CRT (p=0.000).Discussion: In cancer patients, alongtogether with the medical treatment plan, the patient's nutritional evaluation and providing giving the necessary Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) enable the individual to act consciously. Increasing the level of nutritional awareness makes it easier for an individual to fight the disease while increasing the effectiveness of treatment. In conclusion, it should be noted that a dietitian should be available in institutions providing care to cancer patients should have a dietitian.