The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with cancer receiving radiation therapy were satisfied with the nutrition counseling they were receiving and if they obtained any benefit. Radiation increases the risk for side effects such as taste changes, chewing/swallowing problems, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. When these side effects are present, a decrease in food and fluid intake occurs, which leads to weight loss, increased risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as decreased quality of life. Subjects were recruited from a regional cancer treatment facility and a survey was administered to those who met criteria. Subjects were found to manage some of their side effects better after counseling from the registered dietitian. A minimal amount of weight loss was observed. Therefore, registered dietitians, when effectively incorporated into a radiation treatment facility, can provide a nutrition program targeted at reducing weight loss and improving quality of life.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3293 |
| Date | 03 May 2008 |
| Creators | Stuart, Bethany A |
| Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
| Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Electronic Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Copyright by the authors. |
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