The Impact of Chemotherapy on the Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Patients

This study on 200 breast cancer patients at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, examined the impact of chemotherapy on nutritional status, revealing significant challenges. Most patients were moderately malnourished, with 82% overweight or obese, indicating a higher risk of cancer recurrence. Chemotherapy side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and fatigue, led to varied weight changes, with 45% losing weight and 24% gaining weight. The PG-SGA tool showed 60% needed immediate nutritional intervention. Patients' dietary preferences shifted towards carbohydrate- and protein-rich foods. The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional strategies to manage chemotherapy's adverse effects and improve patients' quality of life, despite limitations like a small sample size and lack of long-term effect analysis.