{"id":55736,"date":"2023-11-21T15:34:27","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=55736"},"modified":"2023-11-21T15:36:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:36:34","slug":"malnutrition-and-gi-cancers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/malnutrition-and-gi-cancers\/","title":{"rendered":"Malnutrition and GI Cancers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gastrointestinal cancers can significantly increase the risk for malnutrition, due to a variety of factors. The impact on nutritional status is often determined by the site of the cancer. Additionally, treatments for cancer including chemotherapy and radiation can impact food taste and palatability, and can be associated with nausea and changes in appetite. Below, we\u2019ve outlined three common GI cancers and how each can impact nutritional status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal Cancer<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, it was estimated that 24,300 Canadians would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer,<\/a> and that 9,400 Canadians would die from this disease. Regular screening is often recommended for early detection and treatment. In Canada, the protocol for screening is to perform a stool test in all average risk (ie. no family history) individual\u2019s ages 50-74 every 2 years. Additionally, those who have increased risk of developing colorectal cancer due to family history are recommended to be screened every 5-10 years via colonoscopy starting at age 50.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colorectal cancer starts with an abnormal cell growth occurring in the colon or rectum. This type of cancer often beginning as a an abnormal growth of tissue called a polyp. Individuals may or may not have symptoms of colorectal cancer. Those who do experience symptoms may note changes in their bowel routine, blood in their stools, diarrhea, constipation, incomplete bowel emptying, gas, nausea, vomiting, fatigue\/ weakness, anemia, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, bowel obstruction, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver, jaundice, ascites, and even breathing problems.<\/a> Pain or cramping in the abdomen, back, buttocks, or legs is often reported as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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