Quality of Life and Food Consumption of Cancer Patient

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial chronic degenerative disease, which has its incidence increased every year. The presence of a tumor triggers changes in the patient's metabolism affecting his/her nutrition and his/her quality of life. Objective: To evaluate food intake and quality of life in cancer patients at the Oncology Institute in Vitória da Conquista-Bahia. Method: This is a cross- ectional, quantitative and exploratory study with 200 patients, selected at random. The questionnaires: "How is your food intake?" from the Ministry of Health and the WHOQOL-Bref, analyzed food intake and quality of life, respectively. Results: Food consumption, according to the new food guide for the Brazilian population, was 11.5% for fruit, 7% for vegetables, 88.5% for beans and the consumption of red meat was high. Quality of life was around 67%. Sorrowful moments were reported at 24.50%, good self-esteem at 90.75%, good memory and concentration at 71.75%, good spirituality at 86.75%, financial difficulties at 44.75%, while 59.67% are feeling well at the physical and social environment in which they live. Conclusion: Patients’ food intake proved inadequate when it comes to quantitative intake of most food groups, but there was an adequate consumption of beans. Overall, the food profile was adequate. Quality of life was good in view of many of the difficulties suffered by the respondents.