Food and Nutrient Intakes of Patients with Colorectal Cancer in Calicut District of Kerala

Abstract

Colorectal cancer, a multi factorial disease characterised by neoplasia of colon, rectum or vermiform appendix, is the third most common malignancy in the world. The worldwide incidence of colorectal cancer has increased rapidly in the past few decades and dietary habits have been considered as a major causative factor. The major objective of the study was to assess the food and nutrient intake of patients with colorectal cancer in Calicut District. The survey using interview schedule assessed the food and nutrient intake of colorectal cancer patients belonging to Calicut District of Northern Kerala. The study involved a sample of hundred newly diagnosed patients with colorectal cancer, belonging to the age group 30-55 years. The samples were selected by employing purposive random sampling from patients in the area of study. All the results were then analysed. The results showed that diets of the patients had some nutritional inadequacies. The RDA for intake of sugar, cereals, meat, pulses, vegetables, roots & tubers, green leafy vegetable and milk were lesser than the normal requirements for an adult male and female subject. This may be due to the reduced food consumption of the subjects due to their illness and related complications. Keywords :Cancer, Colorectal cancer, 24 hour recall, Recommended Dietary Allowance, Food and nutrient intake