BODY WEIGHT MAINTAIN PROGRAM AND DIETARY COUNSELING FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS

Introduction and Objective: Body weight loss in cancer patients is not only depletion of both adipose and muscle tissues but also a poor survival indicator. Of all cancer patients, head and neck cancer patients probably experience dysphagia and odynophagia due to impaired function of oral cavity, tongue movement, and pharyngeal swallowing. Therefore, body weight maintain seems helpful for survival benefit and medical quality promotion. Method: Prior to the program, two major factors were identified for weight loss based on literature review: impaired intake function because of anatomy change and oral pain due to sequel to radiotherapy. To restore anatomy change, the plastic surgeon did reconstruction operation. To preserve intake function, we pay more visits and have education for formula food. In general, the program emphasized where we are now, why we eat, what we eat, and how we eat. Results and Conclusions: After implementing program, the dietary counseling was more accessible. After regular visits by the dietary, NG tube was removed successfully from 71% to 100%. During the whole hospitalization, the average rate of body weight loss was lowered from 3.14% to 1.56%. According to patients' feedback, our program maintained body weight effectively, as compared with previous study which suggested that 30-50% of head and neck cancer patients will had more than 5% of weight loss monthly and more than 10% semiannually. In general, to encourage food intake, we pay more visits which boosts the motivations for body weight maintain.