PD751 - INCIDENCE OF EATING DISORDERS IN PATIENTS TREATED FOR GASTROINTESTINAL CANCERS

PD751

INCIDENCE OF EATING DISORDERS IN PATIENTS TREATED FOR GASTROINTESTINAL CANCERS

I. Hassnaoui^1,*, S. taimi¹, K. Nouni¹, A. lachgar¹, H. el kacemi¹, T. Kebdani¹, K. hassouni¹

¹Radiotherapy, national institute of oncology, Rabat, Morocco

Rationale: Radiotherapy for gastrointestinal cancers often induces digestive side effects that can disrupt eating behaviors. These changes may negatively affect both nutritional status and psychological well-being. This study aims to assess the prevalence of eating disorders and their emotional impact in this population.

Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2024 in a digestive radiotherapy department. 42 patients with gastric or colorectal cancer receiving radiotherapy, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, were included. Eating behaviors were assessed using the EDE-Q, and digestive quality of life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ-OG25. Statistical analyses included Student’s t-test and Pearson correlation, with significance defined as p < 0.05.

Results: Restrictive eating behaviors were observed in 31% of patients. Fear of eating before radiotherapy sessions was reported by 19 patients, reduction of portion sizes by 13 patients, and partial fasting or food avoidance by 7 patients.

These behaviors were associated with significant nutritional impact, with 71% of affected patients losing more than 5% of their baseline body weight (p = 0.01). Psychological distress was common: 64% reported body-related shame, and 48% experienced anxiety. Disordered eating was moderately correlated with impaired digestive quality of life (r = 0.51, p = 0.03).

Social isolation was also frequent, reported by 62% of patients due to fear of eating in public or being judged. Patients with higher EDE-Q scores had significantly worse quality of life, especially in emotional and body image domains (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Eating disorders are common and underdiagnosed among patients treated for gastrointestinal cancers. These findings highlight the need for early identification and comprehensive management, combining nutritional support and psychological care to improve both clinical outcomes and quality of life.

References: nothing

Disclosure of Interest: I. Hassnaoui: None declared, S. taimi Other: nan, K. Nouni: None declared, A. lachgar: None declared, H. el kacemi: None declared, T. Kebdani: None declared, K. hassouni: None declared