Abstract
Abstract
Cancer patients suffer from malnutrition, which adversely affects treatment tolerance, quality of life, and survival. PG-SGA (Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment) is a validated tool for identifying nutritional risk, but its application remains unexplored in a range of clinical settings, including Pakistan. It was intended to investigate the association between clinical, dietary, and functional factors and malnutrition among cancer patients undergoing treatment. The study involved 300 adult cancer patients (ages 18–65) at a public tertiary care oncology hospital. The PG-SGA was used to assess nutritional status. The collected data included demographics, cancer type and stage, food intake, nutrition impact symptoms, clinical data and physical activity. The prevalence of malnutrition (PG-SGA B/C) was 42.7%, with 19.3% severely malnourished. A significant association was found between advancing cancer stage and worsening nutritional status (χ²(6) = 31.99, p < 0.001). Dietary patterns were strongly predictive; patients with reduced food intake were significantly more likely to be malnourished compared to those with stable intake (67.3% vs. 27.7% in PG-SGA B/C; χ²(4) = 53.14, p < 0.001). A graded deterioration was observed as diet quality declined from normal food to minimal intake (χ²(6) = 42.03, p < 0.001). Furthermore, declining physical function and objective signs of muscle wasting on physical exam showed a strong, progressive association with higher PG-SGA categories. The prevalence of malnutrition is high, and it has been linked to disease progression, inadequate dietary intake, and functional decline. A PG-SGA is effective at identifying at-risk patients. A comprehensive nutritional screening program and early, targeted dietetic interventions are necessary for improving clinical outcomes in oncology.