Association Between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Mortality Outcomes in Elderly Cancer Survivors in the United States

Background Cancer poses a significant global health burden, with increasing incidence and mortality rates, particularly among elderly populations. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and mortality outcomes (all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular disease) among elderly cancer survivors in the United States.Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Methods Participants were categorized into well-nourished, mildly malnourished, and moderately to severely malnourished groups. Weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality outcomes. Results The analysis included 2,582 elderly cancer survivors. Compared to the well-nourished group, the malnourished groups had higher proportions of older individuals, males, widowed or divorced individuals, current smokers, and deaths. Lower GNRI was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.67–3.48), cancer mortality (HR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.32–3.80), and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.41–5.25). Conclusions Assessing the nutritional status of elderly cancer survivors using GNRI can help determine their prognosis and guide interventions to improve long-term outcomes.