A Scoping Review on the Impact of Nutrition and Counseling in the Prevention and Management of Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is one of the complicated diseases that occur due to the mutations in the genes which are influenced by multiple factors and about 30% of all cancer cases are linked to dietary habits. Nutritional status of the host is an important factor that impacts the management of disease progression. Various macro and micronutrients, along with antioxidants, play an essential role in pre and post-treatment and even on the onset of disease. Cancer treatments like chemo and radio therapy results to severe side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and stomatitis, disturbing intake of food and absorption of nutrients which in turn cause malnutrition, cancer cachexia and/or other nutrition disorders. Though nutrition plays a vital role in disease management and progression, patients may have very little or no idea about nutrition therapies and its impacts on their health improvement. To prevent or minimize the development of malnutrition or its associated disorders in patients suffering from cancer, nutrition screening, assessment and intervention are crucial. The review aims to focus on the impact of nutrition and various nutrients along with nutrition care process for the management of disease in various cancers.