Preoperative Nutrition in Cancer Patients.Surg Clin North Am 2026 Apr; 106(2):201-212.SC
Malnutrition is highly prevalent among cancer patients, particularly those with head and neck and gastrointestinal malignancies, older age, and advanced disease. It results from disease burden, treatment-related factors, prolonged hospitalization, and unrecognized nutrition-impact symptoms, leading to poor surgical outcomes, increased complications, mortality, and health care costs. Despite being a modifiable perioperative risk factor, nutritional status is often overlooked. Comprehensive preoperative nutritional screening, assessment, and intervention-guided by established tools and the Nutritional Care Process-are essential. Early identification and management of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia can optimize surgical recovery, improve quality of life, and enhance overall cancer outcomes.
