Malnutrition and the Survival of Cervical Cancer Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study Using the PG-SGA Tool

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in developing countries. Malnutrition is associated with poor prognosis and early detection of malnutrition and timely nutritional interventions can improve the outcome for cervical cancer patients. The study was aimed to assess the association between the nutritional status and survival of cervical cancer patients.

A prospective cohort study design was used. Overall 175 cervical cancer patients were followed over one year period with (median 8.5 mo, range (3.6-12).

The prevalence of malnutrition determined by means of the PG-SGA was 17.7% at admission and 47.1% at the end of follow-up. According to the SGA, one in three (29.7%) patients required nutritional intervention at the end of follow-up. Patients who were malnourished (PG-SGA-B and C) had an increased risk of mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.23 - 7.86) as compared to those who were well nourished (PG-SGA-A). Patients from rural areas had an increased risk of mortality (HR: 6.99, 95% CI: 2.07 - 23.58) compared to patients from urban areas.

In the context of developing country setting and COVID19 outbreak, malnutrition significantly decreases cervical cancer survival. A thorough nutrition assessment using scored PG-SGA is needed.