The literature review highlighted issues associated with cancer-related weight loss that are often encountered by patients. The findings were supported by others suggesting that those with advance terminal illness often experience loss of hope and meaning in their lives Lloyd-Williams et al, Both patients and their families often report frustration with the inadequate and inappropriate response that they receive from health professionals to this distressing condition Porter et al, There is sometimes an attitude of inevitability among nurses concerning this side-effect of cancer, and a belief little can be done Hopkinson et al, a.
Cancer-associated weight loss has a considerable social, psychological and physical impact on patient experience, and affects quality of life.
However, strategies can be put in place by health professionals to mitigate the distressing effects. This is particularly pertinent given that many patients with cancer are surviving for longer. Journal of Psychosomatic Research; 2, Braun V, Clarke V Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology; 3: 2, Caldwell K et al Developing a framework for critiquing health research. Journal of Health, Social and Environmental Issues; 6: 1, Del Ferraro C et al Management of anorexia-cachexia in late-stage lung cancer patients.
Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing; 6, Dewys WD et al Prognostic effect of weight loss prior to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. American Journal of Medicine; 4, Donnelly S et al The symptoms of advanced cancer: identification of clinical and research priorities by assessment of prevalence and severity.
Journal of Palliative Care; , Holder H Nursing management of nutrition in cancer and palliative care. British Journal of Nursing; 11, Hopkinson J et al a Exploring the experience of weight loss in people with advanced cancer. Journal of Advance Nursing; 3, Hopkinson J et al b The prevalence of concern about weight loss and chance in eating habits in people with advance cancer.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management; 4, Hopkinson J How people with advanced cancer manage changing eating habits. Journal of Advanced Nursing; 5, Hopwood P et al A body image scale for use with cancer patients. European Journal of Cancer; 2, According to the American Cancer Society , significant weight loss happens most often with cancers that affect the stomach, pancreas, esophagus and lung.
Several factors can contribute to cancer-related weight loss. Cancer cells demand more energy than healthy cells, so your body may burn more calories at rest than it normally would. The cells also release substances that affect how your body uses calories from food, which also can contribute to weight loss. As your body tries to defend itself against cancer, the immune system produces substances called cytokines that increase inflammation. Cytokines can alter metabolism and interfere with the hormones that control appetite, causing further loss of weight.
Some types of cancer are more likely to lead to weight loss than others. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research.
Call us anytime. This page was updated on September 21, Weight loss With cancer , you may be trying to prevent weight loss, or having trouble with it right now. Weight loss associated with the cancer itself What all types of cancer have in common are abnormal cells. Appetite changes related to the disease itself may be brought on by: A tumor or tumors in the abdominal area that interferes with digestion, stimulates a false sense of fullness, or makes swallowing food difficult. Hormones produced by some types of tumors that alter the signaling process that tells you when you're hungry.
Any emotional or physical side effects of cancer—such as pain , stress , depression , dehydration and nausea —that diminish your appetite. However, speak with your doctor if the weight loss is: Significant—more than 5 percent of your body weight Sudden—over the past few months Continuous Unintentional Accompanied by fatigue, appetite loss, bowel changes or increased illness or infections. Weight loss associated with cancer treatment Many of the common treatments used to fight cancer come with side effects that may interfere with your desire to eat and make eating difficult or painful.
Such treatments include: Chemotherapy Hormone therapy Radiation therapy Surgery Immunotherapy Stem cell transplant These therapies may lead to weight loss by causing side effects such as: Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Mouth sores Changes in taste or smell. Do not be too upset if you find you have gained weight.
Sometimes knowing why it has happened can help you think of ways to manage it. After treatment, most people need time to recover.
But as you gradually get better, you may find that you are ready to make some changes. If you are having hormonal therapy as part of your treatment, it is important to keep taking this, even if you think it is causing weight gain. Talk to your cancer doctor or nurse if you are worried about this.
Below is a sample of the sources used in our changes in weight information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam macmillan.
ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients. February www. Preventing excess weight gain. ESPEN expert group recommendations for action against cancer related malnutrition.
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