Nutrition is important for cancer patients as malnutrition can increase complications, reduce tolerance to treatment, and decrease quality of life. Malnutrition is common in cancer patients and leads to increased morbidity and mortality as well as reduced quality and life. Good nutrition practices like maintaining weight and nutritional stores can help improve quality of life. Nutritional intervention should be part of the overall oncology care strategy to improve outcomes.
18. Assess - Regular weighing! < 20 = malnutrition possible < 18 = malnutrition likely Weight (kg)/height(m) 2 BMI (Body Mass Index) Significant weight loss is greater than: 1% - 2% in 1 week 5% in 1 month 7.5% in 3 months 10% in 6 months Amount of weight change divided by usual weight x 100 Percent Weight Change >120 % IBW is obese 110% - 120% IBW is over weight 90% - 110% IBW is normal range 80% - 90% IBW is mildly underweight <80% IBW is moderately underweight Ideal Body Weight (BMI) Men: 106 lbs. For the first 5' of height plus 6 lbs. For each additional inch. Women : 100 lbs. For the first 5' of height plus 5 lbs. For each additional inch. Weight Interpretation Standard Criteria