HÁBITOS ALIMENTARES E ESTILO DE VIDA DOS PACIENTES ONCOLÓGICOS ATENDIDOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE CORUMBÁ/MS

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is characterized by a set of genetic alterations transmitted from mutated cells to their daughter cells. It is a disease with a high prevalence worldwide. It is influenced by different factors such as genetics, diet, lifestyle, environmental factors and stress. Due to the scope of this pathology, it is necessary to understand the interaction between factors that contribute to the development of cancer. Objective: To evaluate the eating habits and lifestyle of cancer patients treated in the city of Corumbá-MS. Method: Exploratory descriptive crosssectional study with a quantitative approach. Developed with cancer patients undergoing medical follow-up after the end of chemotherapy or hormone therapy, at the High Complexity Care Unit - UNACON, in Santa Casa in the municipality of Corumbá – MS. Data collection took place between June and November 2023. Three instruments were used: socioeconomic assessment form; Food Frequency Questionnaire - FFQ, to assess weekly eating habits, and the nutritional and anthropometric assessment form. The patients were physically evaluated to measure anthropometric measurements: weight and height, to evaluate Body Mass Index, waist circumference, arm circumference and skinfolds. Absolute and relative frequencies of the studied variables were estimated. Results: Among the 50 participants, females prevailed (74%), aged between 60 and 70 years (32.0%), 55.4±13.47 (mean±SD) years, mixed race (80.0%) , completed high school (62.0%), married (74.0%) and family income of one to two minimum wages (72.0%). The anthropometric assessment showed that 40% of the patients were eutrophic according to the Body Mass Index. By analyzing skinfolds, the percentage of body fat resulted in 34% being overweight and 20% being obese. Regarding food frequency, it can be observed that the foods most consumed daily are rice and substitutes (88%), bread and substitutes (60%), legumes (72%), and there was also a high daily consumption of fruit (74 %), vegetables (72%), meat (86%), eggs (60%), milk and dairy products (54%). Rare consumption of sweets (64%), however, a high use of added sugar (100%). Conclusion: Cancer patients were overweight, obese, and had a higher-than-normal body fat percentage. Their diet was characterized by high carbohydrate intake, as well as meat and eggs, fruits, vegetables and legumes, and rare consumption of sweets and fats.