New head and neck cancer nutrition guidelines
A visit to the world’s best cancer centres inspired Merran Findlay to bring the gold standard of nutritional care to patients with head and neck cancer.
According to Merran Findlay, Senior Oncology Dietitian at the
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, malnutrition is widespread in
patients with head and neck cancer.
"Between half and three-quarters of all the people I see with
this disease are malnourished, which can increase even further
because of the side effects of treatment," she says. "The
consequences of this are significant. It can decrease survival,
compromise immune function, wound healing and ultimately the
patient's quality of life.
"Malnutrition can also raise the risk of infection and
potentially increase hospital stay."
nutrition is vital in the prevention of
cancer, improving outcomes during treatment and ultimately
survival...
Poor nutritional intake and other lifestyle factors, such as
heavy alcohol and tobacco use, can contribute to the development of
a subset of head and neck cancers.
"Mechanical obstruction due to tumour location in this type of
cancer can also interfere with the ability to chew and swallow
food," says Merran.
"It's important because nutrition is vital in the prevention of
cancer, improving outcomes during treatment and ultimately may
increase the survival of people with head and neck cancer."
Merran was so concerned about the widespread nature of this
problem; she took advantage of a Cancer Institute NSW Study Tour
Grant to investigate best practice in the nutritional management of
patients with head and neck cancer.
The study tour highlighted the absence of a universally applied
uniform model of nutritional care, prompting Merran to do something
about it. She proposed the idea to the NSWOG Head and Neck and was
supportive in developing the first Australian evidence-based
guidelines for the nutritional management of patients with head and
neck cancer, through the Clinical Oncological Society of
Australia.
The Dietitians Association of
Australia will endorse the guidelines and, using her
international contacts, there is hope that endorsement will be
forthcoming from the British Dietetic Association as well.
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