Erkul C, Dayi T, Ahmed M A, Saip P, Oniz A. A cross-sectional study: association between nutritional quality and cancer cachexia, anthropometric measurements, and psychological symptoms. Nutrients. 2025;17(15):2551.
Our researchers from the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences, Near East University Hospital, and the Institute of Graduate Studies have made a significant contribution to understanding the complex relationship between nutrition, body composition, and psychological well-being in cancer patients. Conducted in collaboration with Istanbul University’s Institute of Oncology, this cross-sectional study examined 180 patients diagnosed with lung and gastrointestinal cancers to assess how nutritional status and dietary intake are associated with cancer cachexia and psychological symptoms.
The study revealed that as malnutrition severity increased, patients showed notable reductions in body mass index (BMI), calf circumference, and muscle mass, alongside significant decreases in energy, protein, and micronutrient intake—including vitamins A, C, E, B1, B6, and essential minerals such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. Among psychological parameters, phobic anxiety was found to be higher in moderately malnourished individuals. These findings highlight the critical need for early and continuous nutritional assessment, psychological monitoring, and dietitian involvement in the care of cancer patients, regardless of disease stage.
By integrating insights from nutrition science, oncology, and behavioral health, this study exemplifies Near East University’s multidisciplinary approach to advancing healthcare research. The findings not only provide valuable evidence for improving clinical nutrition protocols in oncology but also reinforce the university’s commitment to scientific innovation that directly enhances patient well-being.
About the researchers
Cahit Erkul and Taygun Dayı are researchers at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Near East University. Taygun Dayı also serves at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Near East University Hospital, where he focuses on clinical nutrition and diet therapy in pediatrics. Their joint research explores the intersection of nutrition, metabolism, and disease outcomes, particularly in cancer-related malnutrition and cachexia.
Prof. Dr. Adile Oniz is a faculty member at the Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Graduate Studies, and a researcher at the Brain and Conscious States Research and Application Center, Near East University. Her work centers on neurocognitive processes, brain–body interaction, and psychophysiological aspects of health and disease.
The study also includes collaboration with Dr. Melin Aydan Ahmed and Prof. Pınar Saip from the Department of Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, bringing together expertise from nutrition science, neuroscience, and oncology to advance comprehensive and patient-centered cancer care.
For correspondence: [email protected]
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cancer is a complex disease that affects patients’ nutritional and psychological status. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients diagnosed with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers and evaluate its association with anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake, and psychological symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 patients with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers. Data were collected face-to-face by a questionnaire that included the Subjective Global Assessment-(SGA), Cachexia Assessment Criteria, 24 h Food Consumption Record, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised-(SCL-90-R). Some anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) in SGA-B (moderately malnourished) and SGA-C (severely malnourished) compared to those in SGA-A (well-nourished). The calf circumference was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in SGA-C compared to those in SGA-A and SGA-B. The mean SGA scores were found to be higher in cachexia-diagnosed participants (p < 0.001). The energy intake of SGA-C was significantly lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). In addition, the energy intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-C was lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Regarding the intake of vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B6 and carotene, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, SGA-B and SGA-C were significantly lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Additionally, only phobic anxiety was found to be significantly higher in SGA-B than in SGA-A (p: 0.024). Conclusions: As the level of malnutrition increased, a reduction in some nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements was observed. No significant difference was found in any psychological symptoms except phobic anxiety. With this in mind, it is important that every cancer patient, regardless of the stage of the disease, is referred to a dietitian from the time of diagnosis.
