Undernutrition and nutritional supplements in Oncology: What do health professionals and caregivers know? – A pilot survey

SummaryBackground & aimsIt is acknowledged the interrelationship between nutrition and cancer. Health professionals (HP) and caregivers play a central role in undernutrition prevention/treatment. Our aims were to appraise the knowledge of Oncology HP and cancer caregivers about undernutrition and nutritional supplements (NS) and to assess the relevance given to NS.Methods103HP and 394 adult caregivers of cancer patients were randomly selected to the inquiry.ResultsHP and caregivers stated that cancer patients were at higher undernutrition risk (95%, p < 0.001 & 57%, p < 0.05, respectively) and considered that undernutrition increase cancer severity (85%, p < 0.002 and 69%, p < 0.01, respectively). The majority of the caregivers (65%, p < 0.01) defined undernutrition as an inadequate food intake. Only 35% of caregivers were satisfied with the information received about nutrition. Once undernutrition was diagnosed, 46% physicians and 45% nurses advised the use of NS (p < 0.05). Only 14% of caregivers knew cancer NS (p < 0.001). Reasons for low NS consumption were price (60%, p < 0.009) and lack of information (57%, p < 0.01).ConclusionsFor the HP involved in this study, cancer is a major risk factor for undernutrition and which in turn worsens the disease. The lack of knowledge about nutrition among caregivers was obvious. Proving information about prevention/consequences of undernutrition is essential. Professionals and caregivers agreed that NS can be an effective strategy when intake is limited, however the cost can be limiting.