ABSTRACT
Arriving at precise figures for the prevalence of significant protein-calorie malnutrition among cancer patients is a frustrating task because it depends entirely on the nature of the particular assessment tool that is used to define malnutrition. Most important, clinicians must realize that prompt attention to meeting the nutritional needs of the malnourished patient improves the clinical outcome of many types of ill patients, as has been shown repeatedly in prospective, randomized trials. The development of malnutrition in the cancer patient is usually multifactorial. Providing nutritional support in a rational manner requires that the clinician acquire an objective means of systematically categorizing patients into those who are either well-nourished or mildly malnourished vs. those who have a moderate-to-severe degree of malnutrition. Nutritional support is most beneficial in moderately to severely malnourished cancer patients who are scheduled to undergo major surgery. Physicians need to be cognizant of the reality in their assessment and management of the patient.
