Gastrointestinal Cancer: Distribution, Nutritional Status, Dietary Habits, and Associated Factors among Patients in Benghazi, Libya.

Abstract

Introduction
Gastrointestinal cancer refers to malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) and accessory organs of digestion. GIT cancer have multifactorial risk factors and complex etiology. This study aimed to investigate the associated factors, nutritional status, dietary habits and distribution of gastrointestinal cancer .
Methods
A case series method was used to collect data from patients with GIT cancer ages between 21-81 years. Data was collected in the month of October 2022 to May 2023 from Benghazi medical center. A specially designed questionnaire was used for data collection. A total 102 patients (70 females and 32 male) included in the study. The samples were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 through either mean ±SD or Chi-square for determination significant differences at α< 0.05.
Result
The present study shown that GIT cancer increase in female age groups 41-60 years. Married women were most common have GIT cancer (p=0.000). In the present work, the distribution of GIT cancer as the following 49% colon cancer followed by 17.6% stomach cancer and small bowel (10.8%), rectum & liver 7% for each and esophagus 4%. Of 83% GIT cancer were malignancy with about 50% have positive family history. Anthropometric indices shown significant increase body weight (obesity), waist circumferences, WHR and large frame size (p<0.05). High fat intake, and salted foods were accounted as common risk factors. Imbalance diet include more junk and processed foods and physical inactivity highly contributed for GIT cancer. Diabetes and HTN were the most common complications reported.
Conclusion.
The present study demonstrated that significant increase of GIT cancer in female, in middle ages. Colon cancer was the common one. Higher anthropometric indices, positive family history, high fat intake, high salt intake contributed for increase GIT cancer. Unbalances food intake and physical inactive patients contributed for high risk for GIT cancer.