Cancer is also fought at the table, but few patients know it. And many doctors neglect it. The spotlight on the ‘bad nutrition’ of the cancer patient is Consulcesi, the professional training provider with Vincenzo Toscano, endocrinologist of the Endocrinologists Association (Ame), on the eve of World Cancer Day. “Despite the scientific literature is full of studies that show the fundamental role of nutrition in the presence of an oncological pathology, malnutrition remains a problem neglected by patients and also by doctors “, explains Toscano who coordinates the Ecm professional training course of Health In-Training for Consulcesi Club entitled” The support nutrition to the cancer patient “, coordinated by Toscano.
“It is estimated that, depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease, about 30-50% of cancer patients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition,” says Toscano. “In the cancer patient, malnutrition, in its various forms, has a negative impact on prognosis, response and tolerance to treatments and quality of life, he adds. There is solid evidence that malnutrition is a true independent predictor of increased morbidity and mortality and the loss of weight and muscle mass lead to a greater risk of toxicity from chemotherapy. of the first cancer visit that 51% have a nutritional deficiency; of these 9% are already clearly malnourished while 42% are at risk of malnutrition “.
“Malnutrition in oncology is unfortunately a common aspect in oncology, however it is not easy to resolve”, underlines Toscano. “But not for this. World Cancer Day can therefore be an opportunity to bring to the attention of health professionals – he continues – the importance of providing patients with adequate nutritional support, which must be considered to all intents and purposes an element essential of the therapeutic path “. The course coordinated by Toscano explains in a practical way how to deal with the problem, from the initial evaluation to the therapeutic interventions that can be carried out. “The goal is therefore to give health professionals a complete vision of nutrition in oncology, from diagnosis to dietary therapy, suggesting a complete path that includes all the steps necessary to set up a correct diet therapy”, concludes Toscano.
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