Nutritional semiology of cancer patients hosted at a philanthropic institution in the interior of Bahia

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a process of uncontrolled and widespread growth of cells, responsible for thousands of deaths in the world. Breast cancer is the most frequent and the highest incidence among Brazilian women and the risk factors for its development are linked to endocrine factors, genetics and age; Already for cancer in the digestive tract, the risk factors are numerous, but the most frequent are related to inadequate eating habits, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and smoking. Aim: To evaluate the dietary profile and the quality of life in patients assisted by a nursing home in the interior of Bahia. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study where the dietary profile and quality of life of breast cancer patients and cancer in the digestive tract were investigated through the application of descriptive questionnaires. Results: Most interviewees had low family income, low educational level and average age 58.4 years. 63.3% of the sample were diagnosed with breast cancer and the most commonly used treatment was radiotherapy. In relation to the symptomatology, the most reported was difficulty feeding. For the quality of life factor, a median value was observed and the food frequency questionnaire indicated low consumption of preventive foods for the neoplasia and 46.7% of the population was overweight. Conclusion: The results of the research demonstrate that the diet is becoming less healthy, which may contribute to the increased incidence of cancer.