
%0 Journal Article
%A van Wayenburg, Caroline 
%A Rasmussen-Conrad, Ellen 
%A van den Berg, Manon 
%A Merkx, Matthias 
%A van Staveren, Wija 
%A van Weel, Chris 
%A van Binsbergen, Jaap 
%T Weight loss in head and neck cancer patients little noticed in general practice
%J Journal of Primary Health Care
%D 2010/03/01
%V 2
%N 1
%P 16-21
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/HC10016
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/HC10016 
%X INTRODUCTION: In head and neck cancer patients, weight loss increases morbidity and mortality, and decreases treatment tolerance and quality of life. Early nutritional intervention has beneficial effects on these factors. AIM: We observed patients&#x92; weight courses after specialists&#x92; care and surveyed nutrition-related documentation by general practitioners (GPs). METHODS: From a Head and Neck Oncology Centre (HNOC) study, 68 patients were asked to participate in an extended general practice cohort. Twenty-six patients participated in the prospective three-monthly weight measurements during the year after HNOC care. We extracted nutritional information contained in referral letters (n=24) and medical records from the year before referral (n=45) and after HNOC care (n=26). An impaired nutritional status was assigned to weight loss =10% within six months or Body Mass Index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2 and &#x91;at risk&#x92; to weight loss =5% but <10% within six months. RESULTS: Three (12%) participants were nutritionally impaired and two (8%) were deemed &#x91;at risk&#x92;. Although GPs suspected a (pre-) malignancy in 11 cases (46%), only two (8%) documented weight loss or BMI and four (17%) nutrition-related complaints in their referral letters. Medical records more often contained information on nutrition-related complaints and tube feeding later in the disease course, as opposed to concern over weight loss or BMI. DISCUSSION: Therefore, we call for nutritional management in general practice, by urging practitioners to assess patients&#x92; nutritional status throughout the disease course and intervene if necessary. The passing on of related information in case of referral promotes continuity of care. KEYWORDS: Humans; follow-up studies; weight loss; cachexia; family practice; head and neck neoplasms 
