Cancer malnutrition point prevalence study

We have conducted the biennial cancer malnutrition point prevalence study in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018, and 2022

The aims of the Cancer malnutrition point prevalence study (PPS) are

  1. To assess the prevalence of malnutrition risk and the subsequent presence of malnutrition within those screened at risk, for admitted patients with cancer in Victoria. 

  2. To assess the prevalence of malnutrition risk and the subsequent presence of malnutrition within those screened at risk, for ambulatory chemotherapy and radiotherapy patients in Victoria. 
  3. To report 30-day outcomes for the study cohort (including mortality and hospital admission) and investigate associations with malnutrition. 

  4. To identify areas requiring local improvement in the management and treatment of malnutrition in Victorian Cancer Services. 

Cancer malnutrition point prevalence study summary 

The results from each of these studies indicates that the prevalence of malnutrition in Victorian Cancer Services is trending downwards, from 31 per cent in 2012 to 14 per cent in 2022, with higher prevalence rates seen in the inpatient setting compared to the ambulatory setting. Upper GI, lung, and head and neck diagnoses have been associated with the highest rates of malnutrition of all the tumour streams. 

The 2022 cancer malnutrition PPS involved 26 Victorian health service sites who collected data during July 2022 on the prevalence of malnutrition and sarcopenia risk.

Project timeline: Ongoing 

Sponsor 

Peter Mac 

Funding 

In-kind support from Peter Mac, Western & Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Services and by the Victorian government (original funders).

Cancer malnutrition point prevalence study team 

  • Belinda Steer, Project Lead; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

  • Kate Graham, Project Dietitian; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Related links

health.vic.gov.au