It is estimated that about one-third of all people in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime. Cancer treatment involves a multi-disciplinary care team focused on determining the best course of action while considering the individual needs, preferences, and experiences of each patient. Common forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.¹

Side effects of cancer therapy can cause changes in appetite and eating and lead to unintentional weight loss. Up to 80% of patients experience malnutrition risk at some point during cancer treatment, with more than 50% exhibiting or at risk of malnutrition at their first oncology visit. Poor nutritional status can impact the length of hospital stays, treatment complications, and mortality rates.^2,3

Studies have shown nutrition intervention may help patients better tolerate treatment and manage possible side effects, such as weight loss. Maintaining nutritional status can also significantly improve treatment completion rates by decreasing the chance of treatment interruptions and reducing the rate of hospital re-admissions.^4-6