Optimizing nutrition for patients with cancer

Malnutrition is the most common secondary diagnosis in patients with cancer and is a major prognostic indicator for poor response to cancer therapy and shortened survival. The word CANCER can be used as an acronym to guide early nutritional intervention that combines an understanding of cancer cachexia with a plan to optimize patients' nutritional status during the stress imposed by cancer and its treatment. Conversations with patients reveal nutrition-related information that is valuable as part of a comprehensive assessment. The Assessment combines nutrition-related information with observations made during the conversation. The Nutrition plan is developed to meet patients' identified nutritional needs. The goals of the cancer treatment dictate the aggressiveness of nutritional support. An awareness of potentially life-threatening Complications of enteral and parenteral nutrition is essential. An ongoing Evaluation of patients' status and responses to the nutrition plan guides changes to the plan as needed. Reassurance/Removal are important parts of care during all stages of treatment and nutrition support.