01. Tumor Factors
Tumor cells grow rapidly, consuming a large amount of nutrients from the body. Tumor cells themselves consume more energy than normal tissues. Tumors release inflammatory mediators, leading to a state where catabolic metabolism exceeds anabolic metabolism in the body. If the patient's food intake remains unchanged from before the illness, gradual weight loss occurs.
02. Treatment Factors for Tumors
Current tumor treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc., adversely affect the patient's diet and nutritional status. For example, fasting is required before surgery, and normal eating may not be possible for some time after surgery. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc., can cause gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, reducing the patient's food intake and leading to malnutrition.
03. Psychological and Pain Factors
Psychological changes, such as fear, suppression, and anxiety, disrupt gastrointestinal function, affecting the patient's appetite. Cancer pain not only affects sleep, diet, and mood but also acts as a stressor, promoting oxidative stress reactions in the body, leading to malnutrition. Emaciation and pain constantly remind patients of the existence of the disease and the possibility of death, leading to the formation of a negative psychological cycle.
In summary, the combination of the above three factors leads to increased nutrient consumption, impaired food digestion and absorption, reduced food intake, and ultimately malnutrition in patients.
Introduction to Clinical Nutrition Department
The Clinical Nutrition Department provides intestinal and parenteral nutrition therapy, dietary guidance, health education, etc., for patients. It has opened a nutrition clinic for outpatient patients to meet their needs.
The department currently has two experts with years of clinical nutrition experience. The main diseases treated include: perioperative nutrition therapy for tumors, nutritional therapy before and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, nutritional therapy for tumor rehabilitation, various nutrient deficiencies, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, electrolyte disorders, etc.
The service goals of the Clinical Nutrition Department are: to reduce nutritional deficiencies in tumor patients before and after surgery and radiotherapy and chemotherapy through nutritional support therapy, reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, improve patient immunity, accelerate patient recovery, shorten hospital stays, reduce medical costs, and improve patient quality of life.