The purpose of this study was to determine if patients with head or neck cancer receiving radiation were satisfied with the nutrition counseling they were receiving and if they obtained any benefit. Radiation to the head or neck region promotes side effects such as taste changes and chewing and swallowing difficultly that decrease food and fluid intake. A reduction in nutrients leads to weight loss, and weight loss in cancer patients increases the risk of morbidity and morality as well as decreases quality of life. Subjects were recruited from a local cancer treatment facility and a survey was administered. Subjects were found to manage the side effects better after counseling from the registered dietitian, and a minimal amount of weight loss was observed. Registered dietitians when incorporated into a radiation treatment facility can provide an effective nutrition program targeted at reducing weight loss and improving quality of life.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3439 |
| Date | 05 May 2007 |
| Creators | Watson, Lori E |
| 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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