Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Colorectal Cancer Patients from Algerian East Using Anthropometric Measurements and Laboratory Assessment

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy may lead to cancer patient malnutrition, associated with reduced response, and increased complications to anticancer therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of Algerian colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2016–2017 at the Oncology departments from the Algerian East included 90 patients with colorectal cancer. For each patient, a questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests have been done. RESULTS: The 50–59 yr and 60–69 age groups represented more than half of the population. Obesity and underweight were significantly higher in female patients according to their actual Body mass index (BMI). Prevalence of underweight increased after cancer diagnosis, while obesity prevalence has decreased significantly. The malnutrition classification based on Mid-upper-arm muscle circumference (MUAMC) and the triceps skinfold thickness (TST) has shown a significant higher prevalence of malnutrition among male patients than females. The classification of Nutrition risk index (NRI) has shown a significant high percentage of male patients having malnutrition. In our study, no significant differences were recorded for biochemical tests. Anemia recorded the higher prevalences for both sex compared to other deficiency. Hypoironemia prevalence’s was higher among male patients than females while hypokalemia and hypoproteinemia prevalence’s were higher in female patients. CONCLUSION: Malnutrition in CRC patients must be combated by early detection to decrease complications associated to cancer and chemotherapy.