Assessment of Malnutrition among Female Breast Cancer Patients using Biochemical Markers
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Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and malnutrition commonly occurs during
cancer. Malnourished cancer patients respond poorly to therapeutic interventions resulting in increased morbidity and
mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate malnutrition in breast cancer patients through measurement
of biochemical markers.
Methods: Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 breast cancer patients and 50 healthy
individuals. Blood was collected and analyzed to gather biochemical and hematological data. Demographic and
anthropometric data were also collected and data were statistically analyzed.
Results: The mean age of participants was 43.06 years. Patients had decreased albumin, creatinine, body mass
index and lymphocyte but increased globulins and urea levels than controls. Prevalence of malnutrition assessed
through albumin blood count and body mass index was 32%, 46% and 36% respectively. A positive correlation
existed between globulin and total protein levels (r=0.84, P<0 .0001) and negative correlation between albumin and
globulin levels (r=-0.48, p<0.0001), and albumin positively correlated with lymphocyte count (r=0.51, p= 0.03) among
breast cancer patients.
Conclusion: Measurement of serum albumin, globulin, creatinine, blood count and urea could serve as reliable
markers for assessment of malnutrition in breast cancer patients.
