Elderly Influence of Gender and Type of Treatment on Nutritional Parameters in Oncology

Abstract

Introduction: The evaluation of the factors that influence on nutritional parameters is an important aspect to be considered in individuals with cancer. Objective: To analyze the clinical, sociodemographic and nutritional status of elderly undergoing cancer treatment, with emphasis on differences in the nutritional indicators, related to the type of treatment and gender. Method: We performed a cross-sectional study with 96 elderly undergoing cancer treatment, which included the application of a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, assessment of nutritional status by Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and the Body Mass Index (BMI), assessment food consumption and anthropometric measures. Results: The sample had a mean age of 70,6 years and a predominance of advanced stage disease. The PG-SGA identified moderate or severe malnutrition in 43,8%. According to BMI, 29,1% were underweight and 35,4% overweight. Elderly undergoing chemotherapy compared to those in hormone therapy, showed lower values for almost all anthropometric parameters and higher scores on the PG-SGA. Quantitative values of anthropometric measurements were lower in males, regardless of type of treatment. Conclusion: The type of treatment and gender seem to exert influence on anthropometric measurements, suggesting, in the elderly, higher nutritional depletion in chemotherapy, especially among men. Overweight was observed in the same frequency as normal weight and was equally distributed between treatment types. The identification of nutritional problems is anessential part in addressing the elderly cancer patient.