Identifying changeable elements of malnutrition in adult cancer patients

Background: Malnutrition and weight loss are frequent problems in patients with malignant disease, affecting prognosis, length of hospital stay, quality of life, and survival. Objective: To assess the nutritional status of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: The study used a descriptive and cross-sectional design, and was carried out among 140 patients with gastrointestinal cancer in Al-Amal National Hospital, Oncology Hospital, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq through the period of 2020-2021. Results: The study results indicate that 49.3% of patients are at risk of malnutrition, 30% of patients have normal nutritional status, and 20.7% of patients are malnourished. There is a significant statistical relationship between the MNA of patients with social status at p-value 0.005, economic status at p-value 0.016 and family history of cancer at p-value 0.029. Conclusion: It was determined that patients with cancer are at risk of malnutrition. They need frequent nutritional status assessments at regular periods. Providing good care for patients will enhance their nutritional status and prevent health. Key Words: Malnutrition, Cancer, MNA, Nutritional Screening