Nutrition Education Program for Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

The Effect of Nutrition Education Program on the Nutrition Status and Life Quality of Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

Using randomized control study, explore the effect of novel nutrition education program on the nutrition status and life quality of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy

Weight loss is common among cancer patients, and can be attributed to many causes, including mucositis, inability to ingest or absorb adequate calories because of a problem with the alimentary tract, loss of appetite, and metabolic aberrations. Unintentional weight loss may be associated with decreased quality of life (QOL) and a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, for patients who are already in a catabolic state, the increased metabolic demands associated with anticancer treatment (particularly surgery) further worsen the problem. The novel nutrition program might improve the nutrition status and QOL in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients are diagnosed with cancer and receive radiotherapy, especially in head and neck cancer, lung cancer, or esophageal cancer.
2. Patients need nutrition support treatment
3. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Critical patients or life expectancy < 12 weeks
2. Patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, chronic renal failure, intestinal obstruction, stroke.
3. Unconscious or psychiatric patients
4. Patients with communication problems