ACCC Announces New Vodcast Series: Optimizing the Use of Validated Malnutrition Screening Tools in Cancer Care

Rockville, MD – A staggering 85% of cancer patients may suffer from malnutrition during treatment. Additionally, malnutrition accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of mortality in cancer patients.

Lack of timely diagnosis and appropriate management of malnutrition can negatively impact patient outcomes. Negative outcomes include reduced treatment tolerance and efficacy, increased risk for complications, lower survival rates, extended hospitalization, poor quality of life, and mounting healthcare costs.

The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) today announced the launch of a vodcast series aimed at addressing barriers faced by providers related to the integration of malnutrition assessment tools and providing strategies that multidisciplinary teams can use to integrate nutritional services into routine care for all cancer patients.

The three-part series titled: Optimizing the Use of Validated Malnutrition Screening Tools in Cancer Care, shares insights of the patient experience, discusses the importance of using validated nutrition screening tools, and provides key strategies providers can use to mitigate barriers and support the nutritional needs of patients throughout their cancer journey.

“Malnutrition often manifests as weight loss, beginning as a diminished appetite and results in loss of muscle mass,” said Kelay Trentham, MS, RDN, CSO, FAND, Senior Operations Specialist at MultiCare Health System in Tacoma, WA. “It affects a person's ability to do normal, everyday things, impacts energy level, increases fatigue, increases treatment side effects, and diminishes overall quality of life.”

The full vodcast series can be found here.