Description

The focus of this course is to present an overview of the significant obesity and bariatric-related cancer concerns. Course topics include obesity-related cancer statistics, the pathogenesis of obesity-related cancers, cancer diagnosis and treatment, nutritional concerns related to obesity and bariatric-related cancer, and an overview of the psychosocial aspects related to cancer, obesity, and bariatric surgery.

Target Audience

Integrated Health Professionals: Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, RNs, and Dieticians involved in the care of obese and bariatric patients.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss obesity-related risk and pathogenesis.
2. Discuss evaluative process of patients with cancer diagnosis and appropriateness for bariatric surgery, including appropriate prevention guidance in the pre-surgery plan. Impact on a treatment plan of BMI/weight requirements for chemo/radiation.
3. Nutrition-related chemotherapy symptoms (mucositis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation) impact on weight maintenance and treatment tolerance. Review clinical pearls for nutrition concerns and vitamin/mineral deficiencies of post-surgical and post-bariatric patients undergoing chemotherapy.
4. Psychosocial aspects of patients with cancer who are pursuing bariatric surgery including coping challenges for patients who have had a history of cancer pre or post bariatric surgery.